Encountering God and World in Scriptures

Fr Martin Kallunkal

Reading    
“For we all trip up in many ways. Someone who does not trip up in speech has reached perfection and is able to keep the whole body on a tight rein. Once we put a bit in the horse’s mouth, to make it do what we want, we have the whole animal under our control. Or think of ships: no matter how big they are, even if a gale is driving them, they are directed by a tiny rudder wherever the whim of the helmsman decides. So the tongue is only a tiny part of the body, but its boasts are great. Think how small a flame can set fire to a huge forest; The tongue is a flame too. Among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a whole wicked world: it infects the whole body; catching fire itself from hell, it sets fire to the whole wheel of creation.Wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish of every kind can all be tamed, and have been tamed, by humans; but nobody can tame the tongue – it is a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison” (Jas. 3:2-8).

Reflection    
Indeed, everyone sins in many ways, and as such,  sin is universal. But, among the many sins we commit the sin of tongue is the most difficult to avoid. Although we often ignore it as a common human venial sin, this sin prevents us from being perfect and efficient. Avoiding the sin of tongue is the secret of self-mastery and spiritual perfection. A mature person is one who rarely stumbles in speech. God assures that control of speech will be followed by all-round perfection. Self-mastery in respect to speech is the surest sign of the wholeness of life. The Word we have read today is trying to make us understand this spiritual secret. Let us consider the illuminating metaphors used in this passage. First, the metaphor of bridling the horse invites us to note that a little control set on the mouth of the horse makes the animal obedient to his master. Similarly, if we control our tongue our whole self will be obedient to the promptings of the Spirit of Christ, our Master. Second, the metaphor of ship directed by rudder tells us that human beings can control great powers by means of small things. Compared to the size of ship, its rudder is negligibly small; and yet, it is by controlling this small rudder that the ship is guided through strong wind and tide. Third, the metaphor of a small flame that sets fire to a huge forest is also emphasizing the power of the small. If small and simple things are managed well, effect will be wonderful. And, if small and simple things are not managed well, the effect will be disastrous. Tongue is small; but how many of us know that this is the most important part of the body? Often we think that act is more important than speech; but how many of us know that speech is the most important act? We shall not underestimate the infinite creative/destructive power of tongue. The effectual power of tongue is out of all proportion to its size. Loose tongue sends out shock waves into the speaker and hearer simultaneously. Tongue can not only lie but also make lies attractive. On the other side, tongue can create positive and liberating vibes both in the speaker and hearer. How much one speaks doesn’t matter; even a single word can ignite the whole thing.

Prayer    
Holy Spirit, Lord, thank you for disclosing the spiritual  secret concerning holiness and wholeness. Cleanse, my tongue, O’ Lord. I am ashamed and deeply sorry that I let my tongue run amok. Bridle my mouth with the thread of your constant presence. Fill my heart and mind with the Word and Wisdom of God. Grant me the gift of courage to remain silent until Your Wisdom and Word compels me to speak.

Contemplation    
Dismissing the assembly, Abba Macarius  the Great said to his brothers at Scetis: “flee my brothers.” One of them asked him: “where could we flee to beyond this desert?” Macarius put his finger on his lips and said, “flee this;” and, he went into his cell, shut the door and sat down. Practice silence as often as you can.

Action    
Examine your voluntary and involuntary speech. Identify the bad and destructive words that you speak without scruple. Leave them for good. Cultivate the skill of thinking before speaking and examining each word after speaking.