DO WHAT YOU SAY

Tuesday of Second Week of Lent 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.” Todays gospel is reminding three things: First, don’t do things in order to be seen. 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. There should not be a dichomotomy between our words and actions. 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. Secondly the gospel is telling us, do what you 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 live a life like 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