A phrase from today’s first reading caught my attention: “If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them.”
I know people who speak wisdom. They speak little, but when they do, what they say is valuable and worthwhile. They don’t waste their breath on the worthless, trivial, and vile. Those are the people I turn to when I want real help and not just a confirmation of my prejudices or inclinations. They foster transformation by attraction rather than promotion. I see Jesus like that, someone who, fueled by deep and consistent prayer, uttered what is precious and the people turned to him.
I cringe thinking of all the goofy, useless things I will likely utter today. What can you do now, to prepare to communicate what’s precious rather than worthless today?
—Tom McGrath is a spiritual director and the Director of Trade Books atLoyola Press in Chicago. Click here to enjoy Loyola Press’s “31 Days with St. Ignatius,” a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality in honor of St. Ignatius’ Feast Day on July 31. Content includes articles, blog posts, and videos to help you learn about and apply the principles of Ignatian spirituality.