GOSSIP
Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze. – James 3:5
A man once asked a priest what was wrong about gossiping. To answer him, the priest went to his room, took a pillow and asked the man to follow him to the rooftop of the building. He handed him the pillow and asked the man to rip it open. He then said, “Fluff the pillow so that the feathers will go up in the air.” The man obeyed and, sure enough, the feathers flew away with the wind. The priest then told the man, “Now gather the feathers.” The man exclaimed, “I can’t! They’re too many! They’ve already gotten away!” The priest replied, “That’s gossip.”
When we use our tongue to spread rumors about others, it’s difficult to take those statements back. Gossip spreads like a brush fire. And it all begins with one tongue that is out of control.
When I heard this story from the stage play entitledDoubt,I was convicted to be more mindful of the things I say randomly. Christians sometimes call it “sharing,” but the question is always whether or not our words will do that person good. And, how would we feel if we were the subject of that conversation? George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
How well do I control my tongue?
Lord, may my words always build up and encourage others.
Blessed John of Fiesole, pray for us.
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