Words that "bind"

"Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven."

Matthew 18:18

Have you "bound" anything lately?  That seems to be kind of weird language to us but let's look into it.  Matthew says that when we bind something, it is bound on earth and in heaven.  That seems like an incredible power but what does it mean?  "The Word Among Us," reflects on it and suggests that what we say, how we forgive, even our self-talk can be included in this "binding."  In thinking about it, I can say some pretty awful things about other drivers!  Could I be more forgiving of them and remember the times I have made dumb mistakes while driving?  Could be.  Also, gossip could be another situation where what we say can "bind" another person.  We can put someone in a bad light while talking to others and really influence how others feel about that person.  Is that a form of binding, too?  Certainly.  If what we say is binding on earth and in heaven, what if we tried to make positive comments instead of judgmental, possibly hurtful comments?  Whether speaking to someone or about them to others, let's take a second to realize that what we say can build up or tear down another person.  Even thinking negative thoughts to ourselves can establish a pattern of negativity.  Let's try to think positive thoughts about ourselves and others today!  And let's remember St. Maximilian Kolbe's feast day today and pray, with him, for all who are imprisoned.  Love, heidi