WEDNESDAY, February 16

Psalm 101. Those who in secret slander their neighbors I will destroy; those who have a haughty look and a proud heart I cannot abide.

My family and I have lived through a political coup. We know the threat of guns and physical violence on the streets. We also know political propaganda that builds a climate of fear by disseminating misinforma-tion, with people caught up in unhealthy whispering and vicious rumors. Countries considered politically stable are not immune from the dissemination of misinformation. Minorities are victimized by people who speak lies and half-truths. Prejudices are built up and reinforced.

Words can be used in a violent way. This is true in local communities, work places, schools, and churches. A person’s well-being may be threatened by unkind gossip.

A hospital posts a sign: “Zero Tolerance Zone for Violence. No Physical Abuse—No Verbal Abuse.” We need to be clear that actions can be violent, but unkind and untrue words can be used with devastating effect for communities and individuals as well.

Our calling as followers of Jesus is to build a climate of trust and peace.

PRAY for the Diocese of Manicaland (Central Africa)

Ps 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 * 119:121-144; Isaiah 63:15—64:9; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27—12:12

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Feb 16, 2011 at 1:21 am

Written by E. Linda Cushner,

This brings to mind the old saying; sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. How very untrue this is. Names or cruel gossip can be more painful than a physical blow. In my place of work, I have to make a concerted effort to refrain from getting involved with gossip. It is so easy to just join the group and be part of their complaints and dissatisfactions and sometimes I do. However, I know that this is not of the Lord because in Gmy heart I know that I should seek discernment from him in all things and not get involved in petty gossip but instead ti bring my complaints and concerns to him.
,,,,,,,

Admire the youngest

Feb 16, 2011 at 6:02 am

Written by Molarae,

I was impressed by a scene I witnessed yesterday. Something had happened in the office and a group had summoned themselves to talk about the situation. After the problem was dealt with the group fell into 'can you believe what she did' talk. One of the youngest members of this staff fell quiet, then in a cheerful manner said she had a lot of work to get to and would see them all at lunch. To the outsider it was clear that she simply wasn't going to engage in gossip and stirring up of ill feelings toward the boss. The moment was lost on the others who continued their conversation without her. But I new that the youngest was the more mature Christian.

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Feb 16, 2011 at 8:31 am

Written by Tim Holsonback,

Oh God, please help me to keep my ears and eyes open, but my big trap shut! Amen!!

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Feb 16, 2011 at 11:04 am

Written by Mary kier,

Another example of thisbis teasing and bullying of children. It has become such an epidemin-- with devastating results.

Sad

Feb 16, 2011 at 11:48 am

Written by Windmill Tilter,

"Words can be used in a violent way. This is true in local communities, work places, schools, and churches. A person’s well-being may be threatened by unkind gossip." (Emphasis mine.) These two sentences from the author's meditation immediately caught my attention. How doubly sad this is when it happens in a church and when the target is the parish priest.

"I shall sing of loyalty and justice, as I raise a psalm to you, Lord.
Psalm 101:1 (REB)

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Feb 16, 2011 at 12:38 pm

Written by Liz McClure,

This meditation really hit home! At my office, the gossip & backstabbing and busy-bodiness is just plain out of control. I made a resolve to just mind my own business today & keep my mouth shut and made it till about 9:00 when one of the worst offenders came up to my desk to try to stir trouble. I refrained from SAYING anything but nonetheless her in-your-face, gossipy manner upset me and angered me and she has hurt so many people like that.
Molarae ~ good for your young co-worker! I will continue to try to keep my resolve that for just today I will not participate in the negativity and hurtfulness. God, please help me!

"Sticks and stones"

Feb 16, 2011 at 3:32 pm

Written by Mary C.,

Like Linda, I was reminded of that saying. I've often thought, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can break my heart." And, Windmill Tilter, how much even sadder when the source of such words is the parish priest!

Sad clarification

Feb 16, 2011 at 7:11 pm

Written by Windmill Tilter,

Mary C. It wasn't the parish priest who was the source of the comments, it was members of the laity and one even posted it on Facebook. Doubly sad.

Thanks

Feb 16, 2011 at 11:14 pm

Written by Tres,

Great comments all - thank you for reminding me of the need to avoid gossip. May we all put on the armor of God each day (I try to say that in the elevator up to work each day!) so we have the strength to resist easy temptations and serve Him.

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