The famous British general, Lord Wolseley, was known to have an intense dislike for cursing and swearing. He was very severe about this, and his officers were careful not to curse or swear in his presence.
He happened to visit an Irish garrison whose commander was a hard swearer, a veteran in the use of violent language. The troops were called out for Lord Wolseley's inspection. They maneuvered about with perfect precision and satisfaction. Then it happened. The commander gave the bugler an order to sound the "charge," but inste~d the bugler blew "retreat."
The commander, accustomed as he was to cursing, could hardly restrain himself. His face grew purple with rage. He was about to let fly a torrent of cursing when he caught the eye of Lord Wolseley. He choked back the oaths, looked hopelessly about, spurred his horse, rode up to the quivering bugler and yelled at the top of his voice: "Oh, you naughty, naughty, bugler."
There was a man who choked back, fought back his habitual urge to curse and swear just because his superior officer was within ear-shot. He knew that the general would be displeased and would reprimand any misuse of the name of God, might even discipline him for it. If we who are tempted to curse and swear would only remember that the Lord of heaven and earth is within ear-shot, that cursing displeases Him, and that He will surely punish any misuse of His Holy Name, we too would control our cursing.
I realize that this devilish habit usually begins in boyhood when it seems to be a mark of manliness to use the name of God and Jesus and Christ in every sentence. It becomes a habit with possibly little or no malice in it. Nevertheless, it is displeasing and offensive to God and we must make every effort to overcome it. May I offer a few suggestions:
1. Every man and young man in this parish should be an active, fervent member of the Holy Name Society. As such you will be repeatedly and even continually reminded to show love and respect for the names of God. You will receive God into your hearts every month at least. With the help of God you can respect His name.Blessing the name of God and Jesus is like sowing good seed, the wheat of which we read in Gospel. Cursing and swearing are the weeds. Sowing weeds is the work of the devil. God, the Lord of all, is not going to strike you dead and punish you now, but in the day of harvest He will have His angels gather up the cursings and the cursers and bind them in bundles to burn, but those who love and honor and revere His Holy Names He will gather into his heavenly home. Amen.
Unfortunately I am forced to suggest that some of our women might be enrolled in the Holy Name Society because too many of the gentle, devout sex today have acquired the sinful and unladylike habit of cursing and swearing.
2. Another suggestion: Check yourself every day. In the evening look back over the day and add up the number of times you have misused God's holy names. Suppose you have said "God" five times without thought or in vain. Then in your night prayer say five times: "Blessed be God. . . Blessed be His Holy Name." If you have misused the name of Jesus ten times say: "Blessed be the name of Jesus." That will be a check and also a way of reparation, making up to God for the abuse of His blessed names.
3. Punish yourself in some effective way. During World War Two the Rev. Michael Clare, chaplain at Fort McArthur, set up in the camp what the men called a "cussidor." Into it the soldiers were invited to drop a voluntary "fine" every time they were guilty of blasphemy, cursing, swearing, profanity or indecent language. The funds realized were used to furnish flowers for the post chapel altar, and to help members of the camp who were financially embarrassed.
Have a "cussidor" in your own home or in your office or factory. Fine yourself a dollar of five every time you or any of your co-workers curse. Use the money for charity or to help your church. When you begin to lose money by cursing and swearing, you will perhaps begin to realize what is so terribly true - that you are losing God's grace and blessing by your profanity.
4. When you hear others misuse the names of God, then quietly, either in a whisper or in your heart, repeat: "Blessed be God. . . Blessed be the name of Jesus." Try to make up for this foul stench of cursing and swearing that draws down God's curse upon the world, upon your work, yes, and God forbid, upon your home and your own children.
5. Above all get into the habit of using the name of God and the name of Jesus with love and respect much more frequently. Often during the day and night, while riding to and from work, in the quiet of your home, yes, and in the turmoil of household duties and caring for the children, you can breathe the name of God and the sweet, strong, saving name of Jesus. When you hit your finger with a hammer, or stick your thumb with a needle, say Jesus, but say it as a prayer.
6. Wear your Holy Name button. Let it remind you of the love you want to show toward the Holy Name at all times.
7. Attend Benediction whenever you can, and join whole-heartedly in the Divine Praises, the prayer of reparation for profane language.
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Adapted from Talks on the Commandments
by Fr. Arthur Tonne
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