Our Venerable Mother Xenia the Roman.
1 Peter 3:10-22; Mark 12:18-27.
Read 1 Peter 3:10-22
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Today we are reminded by St. Peter that our tongue, which is such a small part of our body, plays such an important part in our life. In order to see blessing of good days we must make sure that we learn to control our tongue. St. James likens the tongue to a ship rudder: “Look at the ships also; though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” (James 3:4). He also likens it to a little fire, which on one hand can bring warmth to others, but if we are not careful that fire can set a whole forest ablaze. This little member of our body was given to us to sing praise, proclaim thanksgiving to God and to bring warmth and truth to our neighbours; therefore we must be conscious of its God given potential. Let us take an opportunity today to reflect on how we use our tongues? Do I strive to guard it from evil, or allow it free rein without holy boundaries? Do I strive to warm people with my words, or cast burning coals upon them? Am I aware that during moments of prayer and worship my tongue proclaims God’s praises to the heavens, but then I defile myself quickly when I turn to my neighbour and, with the same member of my body that glorified God a moment ago, shoot poison at him.