Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

– by Dorothy Law Nolte

This poem reminds us of the power of words. Whatever words that are told to a child, the child remembers it and it affects the child’s life.

In the Gospel, a centurion recognizes that words have power. More so, if it comes from Jesus. That is why he said, “Just only say the Word and my servant will be healed.”

That is why in each Mass, because the Words of Jesus are very powerful, three things we should remember:

1. First, hold on to the promises of God. Such as in Exodus, He said, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” In 2 Chronicles, He said, “If my people, who call on my name, humble themselves and pray, I will hear their prayer and heal their land. In Matthew, Jesus tells us, “Do not worry.”
   
2. Pray Unceasingly.  Prayers are very powerful. We may not see the effects, but in the spiritual realm, they are very powerful. The bible says that the most powerful name is Jesus. That is why we are reminded not to use the name of God in vain.
   
3. The Words of God guide us in life. Whatever we are going through in life, God has advice. Let us hold on to that. Let us pray our favorite bible verse.

Let us become prudent of our words: they can hurt, they can heal; they can bring us closer to God or to the devil; they bring us joy or they can bring us anxiety; they can bring us love or hate. Words are very powerful, more so if they come from God and if they are for God.