TGIMMhalfway

	TALK IS CHEAP

The Gospel

MATTHEW 26:31-35

Then Jesus said to them, "This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken."... Peter said to him in reply, "Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be." Jesus said to him, "Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Peter said to him, "Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you." And all the disciples spoke likewise.

Gospelthink: Peter, overcome by the danger of the moment denied me even though he said he wouldn't. Do I deny the Lord by not following through on my commitment to Him?

The Media -- "Halfway Gone" (Lifehouse)

"You were always hard to hold, so letting go ain’t easy. I’m hanging on, you’re growing cold while my mind is leaving. Talk is cheap, give me your word you can keep 'cause I’m halfway gone, and I’m on my way; and I’m feeling this way 'cause you’re halfway in, but don’t take too long 'cause I’m halfway gone."

The group Lifehouse's song "Halfway Gone" is about one of the most common topics of modern songs, namely, communication. Specifically, it is about a situation that is about to break up, and the plea of the man in the song to the woman is that she learn the art of communication and the necessity to say words that will last. The man in the relationship is singing that he will be leaving unless she begins talking and keeping her word. Words are usually necessary for communication, and if we say those words, we have to mean them. As they sing, "Talk is cheap" that is, "Mean what you say."

There are many thoughts about communication presented in the songs that we listen to, but perhaps there is one fundamental thought that is necessary to understand. The essence of communication is being able to count on another's word--if one party says something, then the other must depend on what he/she has said.

Peter the apostle learned such a lesson the hard way. He was very bold in his prediction of the future. He was convinced that Jesus was the Lord. He knew that he loved Jesus as his God, and therefore he was certain that he would never deny him, even if other people's faith in him had disappeared. In fact, his brother apostles said the same thing. But, their talk was cheap. In the end, Peter and most of the disciples disowned Jesus when he suffered the unjust punishment given by the Romans.

The group Lifehouse's song states what we do as human beings. We say the things that should be said, we "talk a good line" as the adage goes. But, as they remind us, "Talk is cheap." We must follow through with our words. If we say the word "love" to describe our feeling toward another, then we must show love. If we say the word "forever," it can never be for only a short time. If we say, as Peter did, that we will always be with someone, then we must be with that someone for all time, no matter what the circumstances.

Lifehouse sings the consequence of saying words that are not kept--it will break the relationship. Luckily with our God, such is not the case: Jesus forgave Peter and the apostles. But no matter what happens as a result of words that are said and forgotten, we must learn the lesson that Lifehouse gives--"Talk is cheap": we must mean what we say.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we use words to communicate with you and with others. Often we say words that do not carry with them the necessary actions. Give us the grace to understand the meaning of the words we say to you and others, and give us the courage to follow through with what we say. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We have to mean the words that we say.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the Apostles that their faith in him will be shaken. What are the things in life that disturb us the most even though we still have faith in Jesus?
2. All the Apostles spoke as Peter did, saying that they would never deny Jesus. It is easy to agree with a group of friends, especially when they are saying correct things. Why is it so difficult to disagree with your friends?
3. The circumstances of the song suggest that the relationship is about to end. What is the best way to close a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend?
4. What are some ways in which someone is only “halfway in” a relationship?
5. Text analysis: “Talk is cheap.” Explain the meaning for today’s world.
6. In your opinion, what are the most important characteristics of the art of communication?
7. Why do people get divorced even though they have promised to remain with each other forever?
8. What is the best way to remind ourselves to always “mean what we say”?
9. What does the song “Halfway Gone” teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike