My kids can always tell when I am on the phone with a family member or old friend from Chicago. They suggest that I find all the t's and d's I have been saving since the last conversation.  I say it aids their understanding of me.  Truth be told, I wasn't as aware of the dialect change before their stated observations.

    Our choice of words, our choice of phrases and images convey much about our heart, our soul.  I find myself appreciative of folks who choose their words carefully, who consider wisely their power and our responsibility with them.  St. Paul has much to say about how we speak to each other and the importance of what we allow to proceed from our mouths.

    Words create realities.  They express our hopes or lack thereof.  They express our gratitude or lack thereof.  They convey our respect for the one with which we are speaking or the lack thereof.

    A priest friend with whom I am in some dialogue, (a dialogue that is not always comfortable for each of us due to significantly different convictions), has become someone whose words, whose communication I have come to admire.  He is quite a good 'sparing partner'.  He demonstrates wit, an ability to name things with a clearness that can unsettle, yet always stops short of making things personal.  I often find myself laughing at things that could in other contexts cause me pause.  There is never sarcasm, there are never attacks on character.  There is trust and respect.  And he always expresses gratitude for the time spent and engagement allowed.

    "You alone have words of life."  So says Peter when Jesus asks him if he wishes to leave Jesus as have so many others.  Jesus words inspire, encourage, unsettle and give life.  May we consider the gift our our words, their ability to build, restore, inspire, express gratitude and their ability to reflect clearly to us the disposition of our soul.