The Language of Heaven

One of the deepest purifications in the spiritual life is a purification to the truth.  Closely tied to this is a purification of language… because, we most often offend against the truth through language.

Words are meant to convey reality.  They allow us to have honest communication with God and with each other.  Changing words, abusing or misusing language does not change reality but it deeply affects our perception of what is real and what isn’t, and can alter, as a consequence, our views, opinions and thoughts in such a way that we become disconnected from reality, from truth.

Josef Pieper, a renowned Catholic philosopher, offers a prophetic warning:

“The degradation…of man through man has its beginning at the almost imperceptible moment when the word loses its dignity.  The dignity of the word, to be sure, consists in this: through the word is accomplished what no other means can accomplish, namely, communication based on reality.”

To examine our use of language, one has only to imagine what the use of language will be like in heaven.  In that light we can obtain a sense of what habits of speech need to be jettisoned before we get there. We can make some obvious assumptions immediately.  Heaven will contain no dishonesty of any kind.  And if there is anything that marks our misuse of language today, it is dishonesty.  

Though words help us understand, construct or deconstruct the world we live in, the common language of the public today will NOT ring through the halls of Heaven.  There will be no silly or suggestive talk, which is not to say there won’t be any humor.  But there will also be no detraction, no exaggeration, no slander, libel or calumny, no backbiting, derision, detraction, gossip, flattery, sarcasm, cynicism, boasting, accusation, cursing, doublespeak or lying in any of its forms, big or little.  Bad language, and bad use of language, almost a mark of honor today, will be banished.  

We often say we are meant to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.  But we are also meant, says St Anselm, to be the mouth of Christ in the world, speaking blessing to our neighbor and praise to God.  We will be accountable for everything else we utter. 

In Heaven, every communication will be a blessing of pure love and truth and consequently, joy!

When traveling to another country where the language is different it’s good to begin learning it ahead of time.  In the end, we will have to be fluent in the language of Heaven in order to enter.

1. Words have power.  They participate to some degree in the power of God’s Word which always accomplishes what it says.  For this reason, our use of words can be beneficial to ourselves and others, or dangerous.  How would you characterize your use of language generally speaking?  Is it worthy of Heaven?

2. Have you ever experienced the power of words in relationship to your health issues?  This can be positive or negative.  Do you think negative thinking and speaking can actually make your condition worse?

3. Our use of words attracts good spirits and/or bad spirits.  This is why Jesus tells us to bless and not curse even our enemies.  Cursing just brings more negative spirits and makes things worse.  What do you observe of the power of words over the climate or tenor of a conversation or discussion?

4. What dangers do you see today in the use of language?  What can be done to encourage the use of language as God intended?

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