Tongue Exercise

Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect. (1 Sm 3:10b,19)

Imagine having the eloquence and foresight that no word you spoke was without truth. That was God's gift to Samuel in the Old Testament and to many prophets that followed Him. Finding the right words to speak the Truth does not come easy for most of us. But if we allow ourselves to be guided by God's word and a well formed conscience through prayers and discernment, we will learn to express ourselves in love and by the sweetness of God. As the Apostle Paul said: “If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)

 Before you say/do anything, ask the following questions:

❦  Is it according to the Truth?

❦  Is it necessary? 

❦  Is it kind?

Listen more talk less to understand the Truth, and “before you speak, turn your tongue seven times in your mouth.” (Yoruba Proverb)

Lord, please open my mouth and my lips and so I shall sing your praises. Do not let any words that come out of my mouth to be without effect.

O Blessed Mother Mary, You are not only a good listener of God’s word but you also put it into practice of your daily life. Help us to be like you. Hail Mary full of grace…

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen