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The Words We Speak
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when
the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed
and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” Matthew
9:32–33
Imagine being unable to speak. You could not tell your loved ones
about your day, share your hopes, joys, or sorrows. The result
would be deep isolation and loneliness, the plague afflicting this
demoniac.
Metaphorically speaking, this demoniac symbolizes us when we do not
have the words to properly express ourselves to another or to God.
Our “muteness” is often the result of confused thinking by which we
fail to understand ourselves in the light of God’s Eternal Truth.
Spiritual muteness is akin to speaking empty words that have no
root in divine wisdom. We may speak much, but if our hearts are not
attuned to God, our words become noise rather than prayer, reaction
rather than revelation, or ramblings rather than the sincere
sharing of our hearts.
What does it mean to truly communicate with another? It’s not the
multiplication of words, speaking over another, winning an
argument, or showcasing yourself and your ideas for others to see.
True communication begins with the truth—God’s Truth—alive within
our souls. When that happens, when our minds are elevated by the
gift of faith and our hearts are perfected by divine wisdom, our
words become meaningful. When we speak, whether we say much or
little, we do more than express words or ideas—we express
ourselves, our union with God, our love for others, and the charity
God places within us.
Ultimately, words are meant to serve the building up of God’s
Kingdom. Even mundane communications, such as “What would you like
for dinner tonight?” can be spoken in a way that builds God’s
Kingdom. But just as words can be vessels of grace, they can also
become instruments of harm. When they are spoken in
self-centeredness, anger, or gossip, they tear down rather than
build up, and inflict damage on God’s Kingdom.
In today’s Gospel, we are invited to see the demoniac as a symbol
of the times when we speak empty or even harmful words rather than
God’s Word. When we speak God’s Word, even in casual speech, we
express God’s love as it radiates within our souls. A gentle
encouragement, a consoling question about another’s day, a sharing
of a joyful encounter, or any other expression of God’s love
shining through our human heart is the communication we must strive
for.
By literally driving the demon out of the man, Jesus gave witness
to His divine power and freed the man from his spiritual
affliction. When the Word made flesh casts out the demon and the
man speaks, it is more than a miracle of speech—it is a restoration
of identity. Christ, the Eternal Word, restores human language to
its sacred purpose: to give voice to truth, to unite persons in
love, and above all, to glorify God.
Continuing the metaphor, Jesus also wants to drive out the muteness
within us—that is, our sin and every evil temptation to speak empty
or damaging words instead of expressing divine truth with charity.
Spiritual muteness becomes most deafening when our words echo the
evil one’s lies and temptations.
When we allow Christ to purify our hearts and minds, He also
loosens our tongues. He gives us the grace to pray with
authenticity, to speak with clarity, and to witness with courage.
This is the fruit of true deliverance—we are freed from evil and
empowered for communion.
Reflect today on the astonishment of the crowd who cried out,
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” When God frees us
from the burden of empty or harmful speech, our natural response
will be astonishment and praise. We are made to express love and
truth and to share our lives with others within that love and
truth. When this happens, we realize the muteness with which we
previously struggled and delight in the freedom we attain.
Eternal Word of the Father, speak into the silence of my heart.
Drive out all confusion, fear, and sin that renders me mute before
You. Heal my soul, loosen my tongue, and teach me to speak Your
truth in love. May I never be afraid to proclaim Your goodness,
build others up, and strengthen Your Kingdom by giving glory to
Your holy Name. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: The Blind and Mute Man Possessed by Devils, by James
Tissot
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