Missionary Objective #7:
Using words in the manner God sees us embodies the entire Mission of Saint Thorlak, which we have put into action through example and now extend that example to our words.
Here are some suggestions of how this might look.
-Whenever we speak or write, assume the best of the people around us, even if we have experienced their worst. [Caritas]
-Choose phrasing with the same purity and clarity we would use when speaking or writing to a child. This does not mean to talk down. It means to exercise the patience and care with each person that expresses the importance of their welfare to us. [Caritas]
-If our phrasing would sound like verbal abuse to a child, it would sound like verbal abuse to anyone, and would be considered a violation of that person’s dignity. [Caritas]
-Speak or write from the heart, earnestly, acknowledging our limits when necessary, without fear. [Voluntary Humility]
-Be generous in showing the other person our need to engage them in our interests. [Voluntary Humility]
-Be known. Keep anonymity in check. We cannot be authentic if we are anonymous. God calls us each by name; use it. [Voluntary Humility]
-Speak and write with emotion. Even business letters can convey what we feel, and will draw our common humanity out of our recipients. [Contemplative Sense of Wonder]
-Ask questions. Take extra time to understand. Be upfront about the benefits of considering things thoughtfully. [Contemplative Sense of Wonder]
-Demonstrate trust first. If people prove untrustworthy, adjust accordingly; but start off with the benefit of trust, and believe that people will rise to our expectations. [Leading by Example]
For now: Let us concentrate on our words, paying closer attention to how we use them, and considering how we can begin bringing them closer to becoming Missionary words in nature.
Contemplate: This week, ponder this verse from the Book of Proverbs: “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.” [Proverbs 18:20]
Relate: Keep a particular focus on our words this week, and notice which conversations demonstrate principles from the Way of Saint Thorlak (caritas, voluntary humility, contemplative sense of wonder, leading by example). Does it affect the dynamics of our connections?
THE SUMMER FEAST DAY NOVENA
IN HONOR OF SAINT THORLAK
STARTS THIS WEEK
12 JULY - 20 JULY
May the power of Divine Love shine in and through my weakness, so that He might be glorified in and through me, and that in my weakness, His power may reach perfection. Through Christ Our Lord, AMEN.
Fr. Mark P. Nolette - Spiritual Director for the Mission of Saint Thorlak