The biblical phrase, "beat your swords into plowshares and your spears into pruning hooks" comes from the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Micah. It refers to a time when God's justice will reign, when his rule of love is willingly accepted and all is blessed in the acceptance of his truth and grace. When we're … Continue reading Turning our Sword-Tongues into Pruning Hooks
A soft answer turns back wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 The anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. --James 1:20 How often we excuse our angry words, blaming others for our own actions. How often we confuse anger with strength and gentleness with weakness! There is a … Continue reading When Tempted to Fire Back, Remember This
Set a guard before my mouth, Lord. Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 This post is part of a series (see A Lenten Invitation from a Babbling Brook: Focus on Speech and Silence). To receive new installments, you’re invited to Follow Sparrowfare by placing your email address in the box in … Continue reading A Prayer for a Guarded Tongue
"Mary's silence is admirable," notes the Navarre Bible's commentary on Matthew 1:19, in which Joseph, distressed and perplexed at the pregnancy of his betrothed, is told in a dream not to be afraid to marry her, "for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." Apparently Mary's trust that God would take … Continue reading Pondering Silence and Exuberant Praise: The Example of Mary, Mother of God
"Christians have always held the man in fascination," writes theologian Scott Hahn in "Silent Knight, Holy Knight," a chapter in his book, Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming Changed Everything (and Still Does). "The New Testament begins by telling the events of salvation from his point of view. Some of history's greatest minds have … Continue reading St. Joseph, The Silent Knight
They say she went to the well at noon to avoid the gossipy glances of the community's women who gathered there to chat when it was cooler. They saw her as we all would: a woman who'd "been around the block," living with a guy after having blown through five marriages. They saw a failure. … Continue reading The Moral Blindness Behind Our Gossip
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to respond. (Colossians 4:6) When out with friends and the topic is critical of another, let my speech be gracious and kind, protective of the other's dignity. When the tone turns anti-Christian, let my speech be gracious, seasoned with the salt … Continue reading A Simple Rule for Speech
When Jesus Christ was transfigured before Peter, James and John, they saw the glorious divinity of the God-Man. Peter (so lovably like us!) stammered a suggestion: "Lord, it's good that we are here. Let's build three tabernacles! One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!" Then a "bright cloud" overcame them and they … Continue reading Matt Redman: Let My Words Be Few
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:26-27 If only, when … Continue reading True Religion and the Unbridled Tongue
What is Sparrowfare? I've taken to watching the sparrows in the bushes around my house and at my backyard feeder. They're a calming corrective to the current climate of political anger and banal entertainment. I need a reset after taking it in. Sparrows draw me away from the sensational. Their very lowliness reminds me of … Continue reading What Is Sparrowfare?
