The visionary Shepherd of Hermas was a very influential book in early Christian times. Here the writer is commanded to keep away from slander. Even listening to malicious gossip makes you part of the sin. Be simple and guileless, and you will be like children who don’t know the wickedness that ruins man’s life. First, do not speak evil of anyone, and do not listen with pleasure to anyone who speaks evil of another. If you do listen, you will... Read more
Chris Stewart is a loving husband, father, and dynamic speaker who has engaged youth and adults with captivating talks for 20 years. His experience in youth ministry and public speaking began in 1996 when he first taught for Totus Tuus, a summer youth catechetical program. He discovered his gift of speaking and has continued throughout the years giving countless talks in the areas of catechetics, theology, spirituality and evangelization. Chris earned his Masters of Theological Studies from the Institute of... Read more
It’s quite reasonable to joke about people when you know it will actually make them feel good, says St. Clement of Alexandria. But making fun of people is a dangerous sport, and one a Christian needs to avoid. Older people, looking on the young as children, may (though very rarely) be playful with them, joking with them to train them in good behavior. For example, if you’re with a bashful and silent young man, you might jokingly say, “This son... Read more
Watch what you say to the people around you, says St. Clement of Alexandria. A Christian’s job is to spread goodwill, not to stir up ill feelings. We should keep away from mocking, the beginning of insults, from which fights and disagreements and grudges burst forth. A man is judged from his words, not just from his deeds. “Do not reprove your neighbor at a banquet of wine,” as the saying is. “Speak no word of reproach to him” (Sirach... Read more
It’s officially here…..the Christmas time crunch! If you are a last minute shopper and are scrambling for a gift to get that hard to shop for family OR you just wait until the last minute to undertake this task…..here a few suggestions I’ve gotten my hands on that I recommend. Everyone could use a calendar or planner, and there are numerous choices out there. I’m going to lead this guide off with my personal favorite that deserves a cherished spot... Read more
We often think a lie is good, or at least harmless, if it brings some good effect. But it isn’t, says St. Augustine. The truth is a sacred thing, and we should no more think of lying for a good reason than we would think of committing adultery for a good reason. We must consider every lie a sin, because we should always speak what is in our hearts: not only when we know the truth, but even when we... Read more
Palladius of Galatia, who spent years among the desert hermits of Egypt, tells the story of Pambo, who thought so carefully before he spoke that he preferred to let months go by rather than give an ill-considered answer. On his death-bed, at the very moment of his passing, Pambo is reported to have said this to the bystanders, Origen the priest and steward and Ammonius—famous men, both of them—and the rest of the brethren: “From the day that I came... Read more
St. Ambrose, one of the great thinkers in Christian history, weighed his words carefully. When we run the risk of being judged by our words, he says, silence is better than speaking. Now what should we learn before everything else? To be silent, so that we may be able to speak. Otherwise my voice may condemn me before that of another acquits me; for it is written, “by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Why should you rush... Read more
It’s easy to get carried away when we start talking, says St. John Chrysostom. We should remember how easy it is to sin by a careless word, and take care to consider what we’re about to say. Bind up your words, so that they won’t run riot, and grow wanton, and gather up sins for themselves in too much talking. Confine them; hold them back within their own banks. An overflowing river quickly gathers mud. Bind up your meaning, too.... Read more
Review by Julie Abell Does anyone reading this blog remember the “Enjoli” commercials for which the actress/spokeswoman sang “I can bring home the bacon…Fry it up in a pan…and never, ever let you forget you’re a man! Cuz I’m a wooommmannnn – Enjoli” If you don’t know this commercial, look it up on YouTube. I bring that up because that will tell you the image I grew up with as the role model for womanhood. While the images today are... Read more
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