Msgr. Pope on Common Sins of Speech

"In the pastoral guide of St. Gregory the Great, the opening line reads: 'A spiritual guide should be silent when discretion requires and speak when words are of service.'

"This is not easy. Indeed, self-mastery in speech is among the rarer gifts and usually comes later in life!

"Some of the most common sins we commit are related to speech: gossip, idle chatter, lies, exaggerations, harsh attacks, and uncharitable remarks. With our tongue we can spread hatred, incite fear and maliciousness, spread misinformation, cause temptation, discourage, teach error, and ruin reputations. With a gift capable of bringing such good, we can surely cause great harm."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on some of the sins related to speech and on some of the related cautions that need to be taken.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Bite Your Tongue! A Reflection on Common Sins of Speech (16 SEP 20)