tongues of fire (see acts 2:3)
"I have not spoken on My own; no, the Father Who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to speak." —John 12:49
The Father not only told Jesus what to say but how to say it. Jesus spoke just as the Father had instructed Him (Jn 12:50). The Lord tells us to control our tongues, which control our whole bodies (Jas 3:2).
Even better than controlling our tongues is speaking according to God's instruction. When God the Father "has our tongue," we can speak in Jesus' name and in the Holy Spirit. We can prophesy and say what God the Father is saying when He's saying it. We can "lip synch" Jesus as He intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. Therefore, whatever we ask in His name is given to us (Jn 14:14). When we're persecuted, we will not be the speakers, but the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say (Mt 10:20). We can utter mysteries in the Spirit by speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:2). The Lord can do more with our speech than we ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).
Let the risen Christ "put words in your mouth." May you speak from the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for the Lord (Lk 6:45). May your tongue be a weapon for justice (Rm 6:13), which resurrects (Ez 37:4), encourages, consoles, and builds up the Church (1 Cor 14:3-4). Let the Lord give you a well-trained tongue (Is 50:4).
Prayer: Jesus, be the Lord of my tongue.
Promise: "The word of the Lord continued to spread and increase." —Acts 12:24
Praise: When Alberto learned he had incurable cancer, he praised his Lord and prepared his soul to meet his Savior.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Speaking in Tongues.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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