Gossip

Sometimes we all find ourselves in the bad habit of talking about someone else. Some of us do it more than others. In order to make us aware of the damage that gossip does, I give you the following:

Saint Philip Neri once gave a gossipy lady the following penance:

"Go to the market, buy a chicken, and pluck it on your way back here, scattering the feathers as you walk. When you give me the plucked chicken, I'll tell you the rest of your penance."

The baffled woman did as she was told. After she handed the plucked chicken to the saint, he said, "Now that you've spread those feathers about, go pick them up."

"But, Father! It's impossible to know where they've all gone!"

“Just like the words of your gossip, he said.