Some people have asked if I could write a reflection piece on the dangers of gossip, so here it is. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, gossip is a violation of the 8th Commandment by damaging the reputation of people and causing them unjust injury. The Scriptures also warn us against the power of the tongue, stating that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18), highlighting the profound impact of our words.
If unchecked, gossip often leads to the erosion of trust and the breakdown of morale in general. It may start with seemingly harmless remarks which can escalate quickly. The Catholic Church teaches us that gossip is not only a sin but also a grave offense that can lead to mortal sin if done with full knowledge and deliberate consent. This is because gossip can negatively alter the opinion of others, causing lasting damage to a person’s reputation and well-being.
The Church encourages us to guard our speech, ensuring that our words are thoughtful, kind, and truthful. By avoiding gossip, Catholics can contribute to a more compassionate world. Since our Penitential Rite at the beginning of Mass begins with sins of omission, we have a responsibility to confront gossip as it’s occurring. If you hear someone talking badly about somebody else that’s not in the area, you may say something like “do you make a habit of saying bad things about so and so when he/she is not here to defend themselves?” or “your negative gossip about so has blinded you to the many good qualities that so and so possesses.” Another powerful rejoinder towards a person that gossips is to say “I’ve noticed that you often say bad things behind the backs of others. How do I know that you’re not saying bad things behind my back and the backs of everyone else in this room?” In closing, may our words be used to build up one another rather than tear each other down.
Fr. Pierre