GUARD YOUR HEART WITH ALL YOU GOT

READINGS EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In the 1st reading of this 8th Sunday in Ordinary Times (Sirach 27:4-7) we are told that one’s speech discloses the bent of one’s mind and that one’s faults are revealed when one speaks. The gospel reading (Luke 6:39-45) concludes with this statement, “for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

My friends, what comes out of our mouth reveals a lot about who we are and what our innermost self is made of. Speech always betrays the true nature of our hearts. What we are preoccupied with usually dominates our hearts and what dominates our hearts usually fines escape through our mouth; not just the words we say, but the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that we carry within us. If our hearts are filled with love, kindness, positivity, and graciousness, our words and attitude will reflect that, the same it would if our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, hate, or negativity. No wonder Scripture says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). What this means is that we can change the words that come out of our mouth by changing the condition of our hearts.

How does one go about changing the conditions of one’s heart? By cultivating a heart that is filled with goodness and righteousness—things that are pleasing to God and help mold the best version of the self. Unfortunately, this cannot happen without serious effort on our part. For us to cultivate a heart of goodness and righteousness, it is important that we read and meditate on the Word of God and allow its truths to mold our hearts. It is difficult for our hearts to be truly transformed without the power of the Holy Spirit because it is the Spirit that provides the encouragement in the ever-difficult journey of surrendering our will to God’s will. The desires of the Holy Spirit are aligned with the desires of God and so when the power of the Spirit is acting withing us, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, will begin to manifest in our speech.

We can also fill our hearts with good stuff when we develop an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation, allowing our spirit to be filled with praise and gratitude, by consciously recognizing and focusing on the goodness of the Lord and the blessings we have received. This has the power to shift our perspectives about self and others and allow the spirit of gratitude to take root in our hearts. We need to find ways to talk about God, about the church, about our own spirituality during the cause of our day. We cannot just be “all flesh and no spirit” in our daily conversations. Let us find ways to magnify God, praise His Name, be in worship and in His presence.

It is also important that we consider the environment in which we operate. The bible says that iron sharpens iron. What we see, read, hear, and what is constantly around us can feed our hearts with stuff. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences and uplifting relationships, companionships that cherish and support our spiritual ideals, and environments where good things happen, are of vital importance. Such environments can safeguard our hearts from the onslaught of negativity, unwholesome behaviors, and attitudes, while filling us with the good, lifegiving, and rewarding things of life. Let every one that comes from our mouth be edifying.