Our Venerable Mother Mary of Egypt (527-65)
Great Fast Day 38. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
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Proverbs 21:23-22:4
The tongue is a small, but mighty part of a person. St. James compares the tongue to a small fire, which has the potential to bring warmth, but also to “set a forest ablaze” (James 3:5b). With the tongue we can glorify and praise the Lord, but also can “curse men who are in the likeness of God.” (James 3:9). St. James also likens the tongue to a rudder, which is a small, but important part of a ship. Even though the wind propels the large ship it is the rudder, which is set by the will of the captain, that directs where it travels.
Today we hear “whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble.” Sometimes it is better not to say anything than to respond passionately at the moment. An uncharitable response can cause great hurt and trouble, which could be avoided with self-restraint. As we continue socially distancing from one another we are closer than ever with our family in the confinement of our home. Family members are now the only people we socially interact with and this can potentially prove challenging. Let us consider this time an opportunity for self-mastery and growth in charity. To bite the tongue when the thought of criticism quickly bubbles up and remain silent when necessary. Instead of burning one another, let us use the tongue to bring warmth with charity and positivity.