March 3, 2019 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time-C

Sirach 27:4-7

Psalm 92

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Luke 6:39-45

…one’s speech discloses the bent of one’s mind.  Sir. 27:7

“…from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”  Lk. 6:45

Lord, the words I use can hurt or heal.  They can bear good fruit or bad.  I can use your gift of speech to speak the truth or engage in gossip, lies and hate.  You and Ben Sira point out today that what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts and minds. I want to bear good fruit for you when I speak and even when it is better to stay silent.  Lord, put a filter over my mouth so I only say what benefits those I speak to.  I can ruin someone’s reputation by idle gossip or half-truths and that would be a great sin.  Forgive me for all the times I have spoken words that harm and hurt.  Guide me to a purity of heart so that I can be helpful and encouraging not negative or deceitful.  I know there are times to speak and times to be silent.  May I have the grace to choose wisely how I respond to the faults of others keeping in mind my own weaknesses.  Make me slow to speak and quick to forgive.  Amen.