A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows sharper with use.
COMMENT: How correct Fr Willie’s assessment is! The more we criticise others, the more critical we can become. Like all vices, the more we engage in them, the easier and easier it becomes to keep engaging in them, and to grow worse over time. That is why big sins don’t normally arise out of thin air – they are normally preceded by smaller infidelities that weaken our resolve and undermine our spiritual lives. On the other hand, just like with exercise, the gradual pursuit of virtue strengthens us, and equips us for ever greater acts of virtue and charity. If our sins become “sharper” with use, then so too do our virtues. And that is precisely why Fr Willie’s methodical pursuit of holiness is so important. It is the safe and sure path that the saints followed, and it is the path that Jesus Himself recommended when He told his disciples that those who are faithful in little things will also be faithful in greater things.
Father Doyle has surely pointed out something worth thinking about…how quick and often our words can do damage.
If such words are spoken, we know that they very often have already been harboring in our thoughts. Keeping a check on our thoughts, even passing, seemingly insignificant ones might help us to better use our speech and actions in a more Christ-like way. Thank you, Father Doyle for another great reminder.