When it comes to encouraging and affirming a person, the words that are used are usually kind and gentle.
But when it comes to correcting and discipling a person, the words that are used are not that kind or gentle.
Rather, in order to get the message across, the words used in correction or discipling can be sharp and cutting.
In the 1st reading, the scroll that was shown to Ezekiel has these words written on it: “lamentations, wailings, moanings”
Those words point to pain and suffering, and that scroll was given to Ezekiel to be eaten, and surprisingly, the scroll tasted sweet as honey.
Ezekiel was to deliver a message of suffering and punishment if the people do not repent.
Yet, that message tasted sweet in his mouth, to mean that the message of repentance and conversion is a “sweet” message, and those who heed the call would experience the sweetness of forgiveness and healing.
Similarly, the teaching of humility and child-like simplicity, the teaching of love and forgiveness is an encouraging and affirming message.
And those who heed the message, will certainly experience the sweetness of the love of God in their lives.