Our Venerable Father Ephrem the Syrian.
Saint with Six Stichera.
James 3:1-10; Mark 11:11-23.
Read James 3:1-10
James 3:1-10 gives us a powerful reminder of how small things can have a big impact. James uses vivid imagery to describe the tongue, comparing it to a rudder that steers a ship or a spark that ignites a forest fire. These small things, when unchecked, can cause great harm. But James also shows us that the same principle applies in a positive way—small acts of goodness and discipline can shape our lives for the better.
We often focus on avoiding big sins, but James challenges us to consider how the “little things” shape the course of our lives. An unkind word, a moment of gossip, or a harsh tone might seem insignificant at first, but over time, they steer us further from Christ. Likewise, small acts of virtue—like a kind word, a moment of prayer, or a gentle response—help keep us on course and draw us closer to God.
When I was learning coastal navigation, I was taught that even small metal objects near a compass can interfere with its accuracy. If these distortions aren’t accounted for, the ship risks veering off course and running aground. James reminds us today that our spiritual journey is much the same. If we don’t guard our tongue and address the “small interferences” of sin in our lives, we risk drifting further from the path God has set for us.
Good habits, like prayer and acts of kindness, help to realign our hearts with Christ, just as recalibrating a compass helps a ship find its way. On the other hand, unchecked bad habits make us more prone to sin, compounding over time. The tongue may be small, but it holds great power—both for destruction and for good.
Let us take James’s words to heart. Begin with small steps: a kind word, a moment of prayer, a decision to hold back from speaking ill. These little things, done consistently, will keep us on course and help us grow in holiness.