Whatever we may do to find peace in our world, let us begin within ourselves!

More than once we read a parable from Jesus regarding the plank or tree in our own eye when judging another who has but a speck in theirs. (Mt 7: 5). It may appear to be an oversight when making a comment about someone who has become the blunt of gossip but that is just what occurs when the integrity of a close friend among many will be tossed around without the targeted person's presence.

Gossip has become the lowest form of speech when the target is an innocent person unable to defend themself. The reason is what Jesus spoke about when responding to what enters a man’s mouth does not corrupt an individual but what precedes out including a way to discredit another. “It is not what enters a man’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” (Mt 15: 11).

Here we all must take care that through our own weakness the temptation doesn’t take over and find ourselves in the same predicament of spreading gossip even inadvertently. Sometimes people who get together find themselves in a judgmental situation that turns into a regrettable situation.

We may try to discern how many people have had their integrity torn down because of what one or more persons took time to look for every negative account regarding another even if the attacks are not true. I suppose we could all wait until the final judgement before Christ and wait to see if he places the untold stories of each of us on a screen for all to see and then passes judgement on us accordingly.

Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act; or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect; or according to the commandments they violate. They can also be classed according to whether they concern God, neighbor, or oneself; they can be divided into spiritual and carnal sin; or again as sins in thought, word, deed, or omission. The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man.” But in the heart also resides charity, the source of the good and pure works, which sin wounds. (CCC 1853). Note slander is gossip.

We know that many siblings may gather together and sometime during the conversation a mishap of one who is absent becomes the point of discussion that may lead to offensive comments and at times brings out reasons to ostracize them which can result in anger, suspicion, or resentment. Any of these conditions will become a means to spread false determinations that will in fact establish a loss of integrity and perhaps even an advancment that buries a chance to establish a position or promotion.

Care is needed to remember what Jesus taught in John’s Gospel; “This is my commandment; Love one another as I love you.” (Jn 15: 12). To keep this phrase in your mind and live it in all types of speech, the feeling to tear down another’s reputation will appear as a sin, especially among family siblings.

Ralph B. Hathaway