Thoughts. Speech. Actions.

Today’s Readings

Psalm 140, 142; PM Psalm 141, 143:1-11(12)
Num. 24:1-13; Rom. 8:12-17; Matt. 22:15-22

Today’s Reflection:

Thoughts. Speech. Actions. There is a progression from our thoughts to our speech and ultimately our actions. (Of course speech is a kind of action, but for the purposes of this reflection we will identify speech as its own category.) Awareness of our thoughts is the genesis of actions that are beneficial to ourselves and our communities.

Thirty years ago, while living in Tokyo, I began mindfulness meditation. I was amazed at the myriad of thoughts that buzzed across my screen in even the shortest “sits.” We tell ourselves so many stories—about ourselves, other people, and our very perception of reality. We are greatly influenced by the expressed thoughts of those around us. Today, as a regular practitioner of Centering Prayer, a Christian contemplative practice, I continue to be reminded of how easily I am distracted. That said, God is growing in me an awareness that being true to practicing contemplative prayer supports my being less “reactive” and more “responsive.” Pausing to pray in this way invites us to pause throughout the day to consent to God’s presence and action within.

In our social media-soaked world, words are cheap. Lots of words are thrown around with varying levels of thoughtfulness attached to them. If our words are often precursors to actions, it is important for us to use our words for the purposes of honoring life, honoring one another. Intentionality around thoughts and speech creates fertile ground for beneficial actions. 

In our Gospel today we learn that “…the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him (Jesus) in what he said.” The preceding chapters in Matthew give clues as to the thoughts of the Pharisees, Chief Priests, and Scribes. They appear to be threatened by Jesus’ teachings and followers. These threatening thoughts lead to words that demonized Jesus and actions that led to his death. 

We are invited by Jesus to love one another as he loved us. Part of that love is an awareness of our impact on ourselves and others. If you are interested in developing a contemplative practice, I suggest you go to the Contemplative Outreach website and learn about Centering Prayer. Also, we have a group that has faithfully met in the chapel on Wednesdays at 10 am. Perhaps you would like to sit and pray in this way with others, amending the soil from which God is growing you. If attending a local group is not possible, there is a wonderful Centering Prayer app that has many helpful resources.

Grace and Peace,

Mary Bea+

Question for Self-Reflection:

What are some of your recurrent/repetitive thoughts? Do they honor life? If so, give thanks, if not what might God be inviting you to do to break this unhealthy thought pattern?