Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm
I recall a woman approaching me, requesting a prayer for her grandson, who had a speech impediment. At just two years old, he was unable to speak, causing immense concern for his family. I remembered him in my masses, especially during consecration, hoping God would grant him the gift of speech.
Praise the Lord, just two days ago, she shared the wonderful news that her grandson had begun to sing a few words of the "Happy Birthday" song at his grandfather's birthday celebration.
Effective communication is not just about possessing the ability to speak; it's about the trans-formative power of speaking well. This art involves conveying ideas and thoughts and igniting minds and hearts with clarity and engagement. In this transformative process, speech psychology underscores the importance of vocal delivery, including tone, pitch, volume, and pace.
During my minor seminary years, I was fortunate to receive public speaking training, which I am deeply grateful for. Every Sunday evening, we would gather for a two-hour program called "Academy." I remember the nervous excitement I felt as I prepared to speak before an audience, whether reading texts, delivering messages, or engaging in debates. These experiences were invaluable in shaping my understanding of effective communication.
Today's readings focus on the significance of speaking in relation to a person's character. As Sirach 27:4 reminds us, "The defects of a man are seen when he begins to speak." The first reading continues, "Praise no one before he has spoken, since this is the acid test" (Sirach 27:7). The Gospel reading concludes with a profound reminder: "For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart" (Luke 6:45). This verse underscores that speaking is not just about the words we utter, but also about the intentions and emotions that drive them.
Jesus cautions us to be mindful of our words, reminding us that our speech can bless or harm others. As we learned last Sunday, Jesus taught us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:28). By choosing to speak words of kindness and compassion, we demonstrate our commitment to being children of the Highest (Luke 6:35).
Our words have the power to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. As the saying goes, "Beware of your thoughts, for they become words; beware of your words, for they become actions; beware of your actions, for they become habits; beware of your habits, for they become character; beware of your character, for it becomes your destiny."
Today's readings encourage us to cultivate wisdom in our speaking. It's not just about pronouncing words or conveying sentences; it's about the profoundly spiritual act of speaking. As Luke 6:44 reminds us, "Each tree is known by the fruit it bears." How we say, the words we choose, and how we convey them all reveal our character and our spiritual essence.
As Plato aptly said, "A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool speaks because he has to say something." Let us take a moment to reflect on our speech and ask ourselves: What have we said, and how have we conveyed it? This introspection is key to becoming more self-aware and mindful in our communication.