The Hazards of Speech - May 26
Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 26, 28; PM Psalm 36, 39 Prov. 15:16-33; 1 Tim. 1:18-2:8; Matt. 12:33-42
There are two well-known Augustine’s associated with the Church: Augustine of Hippo and Augustine of Canterbury. The Augustine remembered on the church calendar today is the lesser known of the two - Augustine of Canterbury. Augustine along with a group of monks were sent as missionaries to England by the Bishop of Rome in the sixth century. They settled in Kent and their preaching won over the hearts and souls of the locals, converting thousands, including the King who was baptized in 601. Soon thereafter, Augustine was consecrated bishop and established himself in Canterbury. Since that time there has been an unbroken succession of Archbishops of Canterbury. Later, after his unwillingness to make accommodations to the Christian congregations who had been there long before he arrived, a group of English bishops requested a meeting. Before their meeting they consulted with a man known for his wisdom as to how they should deal with the bishop. He told them “If he remains seated (when you enter the room), then he is arrogant and unfit to lead, and you ought to reject him." It was more than six decades after that meeting before the division was healed.
In today’s gospel from Matthew Jesus warns the Pharisees, “35The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.’
My stepfather loved to tease me. One of his favorite things he’d say was that I only opened my mouth to change feet. He wasn’t all that wrong! We all say things from time to time without thinking. We also do things that we regret, wishing we could go back and do them again, different the second time around. Where do these mistakes come from?
Jesus tells the Pharisees evil comes from evil. I’m sure it does but I also believe that much of what I observe in today’s world comes less from pure evil and more from selfish attitudes, and self-centered, careless actions. Is it evil when we’re careless or strike out because we’ve been hurt? I’m not sure. Or, is it more possible that in our human weakness we fail to call on Christ for strength? For wise council?
I know with my own regrets, it’s often as much about not thinking first of how deep the ramifications may run or simply not thinking at all – reacting rather than acting. I’d love to believe that the divisions in our world could be solved as easily as apologizing to my spouse when I’ve been hurtful or unkind. However, realistically I know better. So what’s the solution?
It seems those English bishops may have thought Augustine of Canterbury was arrogant. Have I been arrogant or careless with my words? Sure, I have. I know I’m not always as careful as I should be, but am I evil? I suppose that’s God’s place to decide. I believe that most of the time we do the best we can, with the best of intentions. Perhaps on this day on which the church remembers Augustine of Canterbury we might take a lesson from history. Try to listen more carefully, think before we speak, act thoughtfully and with grace and when we fail, ask for forgiveness, and grace will abound.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - Think back on moments when you may have offended someone unintentionally by something you said. How do you think it happened? How might you have handled it differently? What did you do to repair the damage? What can you do to prevent this in future?