WALK YOUR TALK

Saturday within the Twentienth week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 23:1-12 “Do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.” Today’s gospel is reminding us of three things: First, don’t do things in order to be seen. The Lord is not interested showing our performance. Let us avoid an attitude of seeking to impress others. I always tell this: Try to work for a cause not for applause. The desire to impress others is the worst forms of mental imprisonment. If you have plans to win the approval of others try to walk your talk. Teaching is good if the teacher also acts. The life we live is the lesson we teach. Try to be original. Avoid being fake. How? Don’t talk, act! Don’t say, show! Don’t promise, prove! In short, walk your talk. As a priest, today’s Gospel is telling me personally, If I don’t practice what I preach I am nothing more than a hypocrite. It is my prayer that my life may preach loudly than my lips. Friends, never separate the life you live from the words you speak. The best homily I can preach is my life. Moreover, the gospel is telling us to do what we say. Action speaks louder than words. An ounce of practice is better than tons of preaching. Well done is better than well said. Fellow church leaders let us practice what we preach or don’t preach at all. Finally we are reminded that the criterion for true greatness is humility. A great man is always willing to be little. The first step towards greatness is living a life like that of a servant. “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." Brethren, if we wanted to go up, we need to go down! Blessings Fr. Jhack