Ezekiel 37:21-28 / John 11:45-56
We know that we have to watch what we say. We are given the faculty of speech but that does not mean we can say what we like.
We have to be careful with our words because our words have an effect on people as well as on ourselves.
More so if we are put in a position of authority and leadership. Our words can have an effect on the situations and circumstances of what we are in charge of.
In the gospel, Caiaphas, the high priest of that year, made this statement: You don't seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.
The gospel went on to say that he did not speak of his own person but it was as high priest that he made this prophecy that Jesus was to die for the nation.
Caiaphas may not think he was making any prophecy in what he said; as a matter of fact, he was just trying to be pragmatic and to talk sense into the gathering.
Yet, by his authority as high priest, he became the mouthpiece of God and pronounced the prophecy.
So parents, teachers, pastoral leaders, catechists, priests have to watch what they say and be careful and discerning with their words.
By the authority bestowed upon them, they are the mouthpiece of God and they must ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to speak words that are from God.
Without the help of the Holy Spirit, they may end up saying harmful words that could even destroy nations.