Counsel of Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart Bernaud, founder of the Guard of Honor
Vigilance on words
“He who does not sin by language, says the apostle St John, is a perfect man. “Long before him, the prophet King cried,” Lord, set a watch before my mouth, and a door cautiously to my mouth. “For Solomon says,” He who keeps his tongue keepeth his soul.
Indeed, just a word can ruin a reputation, throw discord in the family, light a real fire, scandalize our brother, hurt his soul, and even kill him. It is frightening to think of the multitude of sins where language is the source. Even very religious people have a need for extreme vigilance in this regard. It is so easy to hurt charity in conversations, blurting out words in a whisper, impatience, backbiting, blaming, criticizing, … not to mention all the unnecessary and indiscreet words.
Being master of language implies a great virtue. It costs extremely at certain times on certain occasions sometimes it even takes heroism especially when the heart is bubbling when a word would justify us or confuse an enemy!
“Jesus was silent” (Mark 14, 61): this is the model that all the saints have copied! This is what must be the desire to maintain the purity of their conscience and peace in their heart of Guards of Honor. Exercise our vigilance especially on our words, ask Jesus to curb our language and use it further to enlighten, to comfort, apologize,t … , we will honor and we will imitate our sweet Savior who never raised his voice but uttered words of peace, kindness, mercy and blessing! (Sr Bernaud 1884)