Monday, July 29, 2013

Action Oriented


The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072913.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful action is.

In the bible, it says that “Faith without works is dead.” Yes, it is true. We should live our faith. We should spread our faith. We should work for God.

In the readings, we see how important and powerful actions are – both good and bad.

In the gospel, one of the options for today is the same as last Sunday – that of Martha and Mary. Yes, in here, Martha was told that Mary chose the better part. This shows how action oriented she is and temporary lost her focus on Jesus as she was working. In the first reading, we also  see how wrong action is bad. The people forgot about God – how they have been saved, and was so impatient that they made a god for them to worship. Like Martha in the gospel, they did not focus on God, but was too focused on action, on working.

However, as we celebrate Martha’s feast day, we see a good side of her. In the other option for today’s gospel, we see her being action oriented again. When their brother Lazarus died and Jesus was coming to their house, she went to meet Jesus while Mary just stayed at home. But we see another aspect of her – her faith. We see her profession of faith.

Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world”

We see her faith that was translated into action. We see her action based on her faith. Perfect combination.

May we be inspired by St Martha’s faith and action working in hand in hand as we do God’s work.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for St Martha. May I have her faith and action – faith that knows you and trusts in you, and that faith translated into action. Likewise, may my actions for you always be founded on your love, founded on my faith in you, that I may not be distracted with anything or anyone as I work for you. Lord, in a special way, I also lift up to you those celebrating their birthdays today, especially Mady. Deepen and strengthen their faith and guide and bless their actions like St Martha. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
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