A blank page and some inspiration as we head into Spring

The First Wednesday in Lent, 2/1/23

Today’s theme is, “Controlling One’s Tongue”. WOW! I think I do really well with this, until . . . and then, not so much! As an introduction to this theme, we are acquainted with St. Clare being the foundress of the Sisters who would follow her and St. Francis of Assisi. They had rules for living, established for Monasteries and Convents. One of Clare’s was that the Sisters would not “repeat the gossip of the world inside the monastery. Let they be strictly bound not to repeat outside the monastery anything that is said or done within which could cause scandal.” One could scarcely imagine a life without gossip or scandal in today’s world. . . . or FaceBook, Instagram or TikTok! People go to great lengths at times to even defame someone.

For today’s activity, we are invited, when tempted to say something negative about someone, to hold our tongue. Why is it so easy to complain about someone, rather than just keep silent? This could actually be an entire Lenten season challenge! I think I ‘ll keep today’s blog short and just share the prayer and do some soul searching on this:

Lord Jesus, from experience I know that the tongue is a powerful weapon that can be used for good or bad. This Lent, give me the gift of your Spirit so that I may be discerning in my choice of words and use them to build up and not to tear down others. Amen.

Continued Blessings on your journey.