The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100814.cfm) reminds me how powerful of an example our life is.
Credibility is important. It is easy to preach and to speak. These can be practiced and learned. However, more than talent in declamation and public speaking, what makes someone effective is the credibility. There are a lot of people speaking about God’s kingdom, or leadership, or public service and are very good at it. However, taking a closer look in their lives, we will think otherwise – for their lives is not consistent with what they preach. They are not credible on what they say.
In the first reading, Paul told this to the Jews. They cannot influence the Gentiles to live like them for they are not living right. They are not credible in what they are saying because of their way of life.
I said to Cephas in front of all,
“If you, though a Jew,
are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew,
how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Your way of life makes you credible to talk about the kingdom of God.
In the gospel, we see that Jesus was credible to teach about prayer because he always prays. He just finished praying when someone asked him to teach them how to pray. His way of living, his lifestyle, adds to his credibility in proclaiming God’s kingdom.
We see in the psalm that we too are told to “Go out into the world and tell the good news.” And we will be more effective in doing so if we are living a life consistent with God’s ways. May we be willing.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for midweek Wednesday. Lord, I ask that you help me live a life consistent with your ways. I know how powerful my life is in terms of preaching your kingdom. May I always live right for you. Amen.
Blessed day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
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