Speech As Lethal Weapon

[BarbTherese]

This article from Catholic Spiritual Direction (well reputed Catholic site) is titled "The Mouth as Lethal Weapon".  The article observes that "we often seek comfort through venting and say things against people that should be left unspoken".  In myself, I have observed that it is not only seeking comfort, but seeking control (and for some - like me, control is comfort :blush: ).

I do find it helpful in amending my ways to understand why I have behaved the way that I have (motivation) and bringing motivation to Confession as well as the offence.  If I can address motivation (need for comfort/control) in my life, most often I can as by-product positively and effectively address the related offence.

 

 

Excerpt only: ..............."...............God gave us the gift of speech. We use it to praise and glorify him. Our words can evangelize and lift others up in spirit. But talking can also be a waste of time, empty, frivolous, and gossipy. It can take time away from our family, prayer or tasks we should be tending to.

Instead of talking to God, we often seek comfort through venting and say things against people that should be left unspoken. And once it’s out of our mouth, even trying to take it back does not completely undo bad impressions of those we’ve spoken about and how it reflects on our own character. Through our excessive talking we are also often on the receiving end of listening to gossip and the business of others.............".................

Read whole article HERE: http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/2013/11/15/mouth-lethal-weapon#ixzz2km9BDjIC

[Gabriela]

This is a very important topic, BT. Thank you for posting this. It reminds me of something I've been wanting to bring up for some time:

 

Much of our entertainment today—and even a good deal of our "news"—is in fact gossip, slander, or detraction. Presumably, we should avoid hearing/reading such entertainment/"news". But how can one go about doing that in a practical way, and without becoming totally cut off from current events?

 

Your thoughts, VSers?

[BarbTherese]

My quandary too.

About the best I can come up with for myself is to stay in touch with the news and current affairs programs - and anything akin to gossip or slander, detraction ........... to say a prayer for the victim and for myself (not to repeat and to keep an open mind).  I read somewhere "Why is it that another's sin is always more serious than one's own?".  I sure have things in my past that would almost cripple me if splashed over TV and newsprint.  I actually really do feel sorry for the rich and famous and the very public lives they are forced to live.

It just occurred to me that if in a group discussing the faults and failings of another, I could say "I have too many of my own to be concerned about the failings of others" - and stated rightly.

 

St Teresa of Avila wrote something like that whenever she is put down in some way and wrongly, she thank's God that others do not know EVERYTHING quite truthful about her.  I had to smile when I read that and made a mental note for myself - and the words of St Teresa equally apply if I am put down quite rightly.  Altho I am sure I can make the faults of St Teresa rightly or wrongly far far in a distant shadow for sure.

 

I am interested in the thoughts of others too...................

[Gabriela]

My quandary too.

About the best I can come up with for myself is to stay in touch with the news and current affairs programs - and anything akin to gossip or slander, detraction ........... to say a prayer for the victim and for myself (not to repeat and to keep an open mind).  I read somewhere "Why is it that another's sin is always more serious than one's own?".  I sure have things in my past that would almost cripple me if splashed over TV and newsprint.  I actually really do feel sorry for the rich and famous and the very public lives they are forced to live.

It just occurred to me that if in a group discussing the faults and failings of another, I could say "I have too many of my own to be concerned about the failings of others" - and stated rightly.

 

St Teresa of Avila wrote something like that whenever she is put down in some way and wrongly, she thank's God that others do not know EVERYTHING quite truthful about her.  I had to smile when I read that and made a mental note for myself - and the words of St Teresa equally apply if I am put down quite rightly.  Altho I am sure I can make the faults of St Teresa rightly or wrongly far far in a distant shadow for sure.

 

I am interested in the thoughts of others too...................

 

I also feel sorry for celebrities' loss of privacy, although I've found that often, when I express that opinion, it garners very little sympathy. It seems many people believe that, because they're celebrities, they have no right to a private life. Which is just... wack.

 

"I have too many of my own to be concerned about the failings of others" << Hank Williams wrote a song about this, didn't you know? ;-)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSeuDDzjIB8

[BarbTherese]

No, I didn't know about the Hank Williams tune - but I listened and a catchy tune it is, so much so I got concerned towards the end that it would be one of those tunes that just wont go out of one's head.  Ah well, not to worry because for sure if I mind my own business, I will be far tooooo busy to worry about any one else's (Hr HW's closing lyrics).

 

Thank you for sharing :)  ............altho I may have changed my mind tomorrow if I still can't get it out of my head which I suspect just might be the case !!! :)

 

I've learned over time, that if I stick to the Gospel in my relationships, I will probably draw criticism (and worse) from some and to be borne with resignation if not happily.  I rather liked a commentary (Lectio Divina - Carmelite) on today's Gospel (Sun 17.11.13) that it is also all about oneself and one's death and what will probably happen inbetween.  The destruction of the temple represents our own bodies, the beauty of which (if it ever existed :) ) is destined for destruction.  Ah well, here is the Lectio - as reflecting on the Gospel, I did draw many of my own conclusions:........... http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-33rd-sunday-ordinary-time-c