A Word for Men - MARCH 2008
By Paul Young
Dear Men,
As I have moved through this Lenten Season I have been spending some time reflecting on Psalm 19:14. Here are some of my reflections.
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight. I have focused on words I have said TO OTHERS. Were they words of anger? Was there any contempt, ridicule, insults? Read James 1:19-26 as well as I Peter 3:8-12 for Scriptural insight. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight as to the words you have said to others.
I have also focused on words I have said ABOUT OTHERS. Am I guilty of gossip? James 3 talks about how impossible it is to control the tongue, the sweet and bitter that comes from it – how we bless people and curse them. “Holy Spirit, help me to understand where I have cursed people instead of blessed them.”
I have also focused on words about MYSELF. What do I say to myself about myself? Do I tear down myself or build myself up?
I have also focused on words about my CIRCUMSTANCES. It is so easy to be negative. We live in a world that sees all the bad and rarely can see the good in the bad. So we moan and groan. It’s the popular thing to do. “Lord, help me to see life and interpret it from your vantage point. Teach me the power of praise and thanksgiving.”
And the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. What we meditate will soon come from our mouths. That’s why the writer of Proverbs says: “Guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.” (Prov. 4:23).
We can guard our hearts by spending time meditating on Scripture, reflecting on the Rosary spending special time on each Mystery, reading books that will help to build our faith (one great one I’m reading through is CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY by Peter Kreeft) and of course spending time in prayer, especially listening to God.
Oh LORD (Yahweh) – the personal God who will help you personally.
My Strength (my rock) James 3:8 says that “…no human being can tame the tongue.” It’s impossible. That’s why we need God’s strength. The Christian life, the Catholic life to which God calls us is impossible! No one can do it. Does that mean we give up? No!
If I was asked to play golf as good as Tiger Woods, it would be impossible. But if somehow, Tiger Woods could get into my body so that his swing was my swing, then it would be possible. This is what is exciting about the Christian life – it is impossible unless Christ can get inside of us and live his life in ours. And he does come into us at the Eucharist! His life becomes our own. This means that WE CAN CONTROL OUR MOUTHS because HE CONTROLS OUR MOUTHS!
And my Redeemer (Savior). Even though we know these things, even though we can find strength in Jesus, we still blow it – we say something we wish we could take back. We fail. And of course this is what this season is all about – seeing our failure and knowing that Jesus died on the cross for all that. What a redeemer we have! When we come and confess our sins he forgives. Fantastic!
You can see what a great Psalm this is. Why not spend time reflecting on it for the rest of Lent. And you may very well begin to experience the strength of Christ in the use of your words and meditations.
Paul Young
Director: Emmaus Journey Men’s Ministry
P. S. Be sure and look at our material, Reaching Catholic Men. If you would like to know more about this, email me and I will send you a promo DVD.