Homily on Luke 6:43-49 – Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks (13-9-25)

A homily on Luke 6:43-49 reminding us that the words we speak reveal our heart, with the example of Joseph, who forgave his brothers. (3-9-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

There was once a teacher who had many children in her class. Some were clever, some were weak, and some were poor. She never made any difference between them. She gave her time to the weakest, encouraged the poorest, and never used harsh words. When a child failed, she would gently say, “Do not worry, you can do better tomorrow.” Years later, when she was sick, one of her old students came to visit her. She asked, “Why did you come?” The student replied, “Because your kind and patient words gave me courage when I was young. I never forgot them.”

Jesus tells us in the Gospel: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our words reveal what is inside us. If our hearts are filled with love, our words will bring life. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, our words will wound.

Joseph in the Old Testament shows us this truth through his words.  Though he met his brothers after years of betrayal and suffering, he had every reason to speak harshly to his brothers he did not do that.  Because joseph’s heart was not filled with bitterness, but with God’s Spirit, so he spoke differently: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20).

In our families too, words can create positive or negative atmosphere. A father, for example,   tells his child, “You are wonderful, and I believe you can do better,” builds confidence. A mother who says, “You are precious to me and be good,” plants deep security in the child’s heart. But if parents constantly use harsh words like “You are useless, you will never improve” etc., those words cut like a knife and remain in the memory for years. Scripture reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

The same is true for husband and wife. A husband once cared for his sick wife for many months, and every evening he would whisper to her, “You are still the joy of my life.” Those simple words became her strength in suffering. A wife who tells her husband, “I am proud of your hard work for the family,” encourages him to give more of himself. But silence, coldness, or bitter words create distance and break trust. Small words of love, spoken daily, become the foundation of a joyful marriage.

Simultaneously, it is good to remembered that our words must be truthful. Empty flattery words and appreciation destroys a person completely. Genuine words speak the truth with love. Jesus gives us the perfect example: He told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on do not sin anymore” (John 8:11). He showed mercy, but He also spoke truth.

Saint Francis de Sales once said, “A gentle word opens hearts more than the sharpest rebuke.” But gentle words must also be sincere. A family built on words that are kind, healing, and truthful will remain strong even in times of trial.

How can we make sure our hearts are full of such words? It can be attained by filling our hearts with Christ and His words. If we want to fill our hearts with Christ regularly, pray to Him to fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit. Once we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will fill us with love, joy, and peace and our mouths will naturally utter words of love, joy, and peace.

Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love Joy and peace.  Amen.

⇒If you find this reflection meaningful and fruitful, please share it with others

The Team Search offers retreats, recollections, and classes for religious and others on different Biblical themes, the Eucharist, prayer, spiritual direction, Missiology, English phonetics (basic & advanced), Mariology, Sacraments,  the Desert Fathers and more. If you find it hard to get a resource person for any Christian topic, we are happy to assist you.

♦Contact: thesearch1994@gmail.com

God Bless…