Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and John 6:41-51

       Gossip mongers

       No matter where you go, there are people that gossip. Perhaps that could be excused if it was all the truth. However, more often than not it is their version of the truth, or half truth as I'd say.  Many times they are judgmental and or blatant lies.

       I am sure there are people at this very minute, perhaps people from church, work or neighbors that have absolutely horrible things to say about me. Wasn't I a Deacon of the church? Didn't he leave his wife? Isn't he an avowed homosexual? We are all subject to every sort of  gossip, lies and stories, that is if we have ever lived or breathed a single breath.  People have always been this way if we listen to the readings today.

       Todays gospel reading from John has Jesus being slammed by people because, well, isn't this Joseph and Mary's son? What is this nonsense about coming from heaven and being the bread of life. People talk. The reading today from Ephesians is clear, "Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.."

         If God has forgiven us we should one, forgive others for sure. We certainly all make mistakes while on our journey to wholeness and holiness. And two, let there be no gossip or bad words. Listen with an open heart and mind, pray hard and lift up everyone for God loves them at least as much as God loves you.

     Lastly, I am recalling a reading from Pocketful of Miracles , given to me by my old friend Stuart. Words to ponder as we live our lives in fear of gossip, slander and lies; the three things we're giving up after today, right? Here it is:

               If our actions stem from honesty, kindness, caring and vision, then, no matter

               what the results of our efforts, we have added something of value to our souls

               and to the world.