Sticks and Stones Break Bones, But Words Break Hearts: Praying For Healing

When I was a kid, the saying went: sticks and stones can break your bones, but words will never hurt. What do you think? I think people can recover from physical beatings much faster than emotional ones. Words sting and cut, they break hearts and crush. They kill confidence and can change a person’s entire direction. I am praying for the times we received unkind criticism. Words damage relationships. They wound even when we try to take them back. I am praying for the times we were critical. Words hurt, even when they weren’t directed at us. I am praying for those painful times we were present when others were criticized. Jesus says in today’s Gospel that Eternal Life is to know God and the Christ God sent (John 17:3). This is Heaven. But how many don’t know God because the only voice they know is that of criticism and judgement. Heaven can be found today. I prayed hard for you at Mass today that the wounds of criticism in our hearts will be healed in the name of Jesus and replaced with blessing. Let those wounds be washed clean with mercy and compassion. Let us be saturated in encouragement, gentleness, kindness and love. Amen. Hebrews 3:13 encourage one another daily