Preach and Act

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022316.cfm) reminds me that our actions should be consistent with our words. 

It is easy to say things. A lot of people say sorry, even politicians do it on national television. However, meaning it is harder. You can say sorry without meaning it. You can say sorry without changing your ways. You can say sorry without repenting. This is what Jesus tells us in the gospel. 

Actions should be consistent with our words. Our words should be backed up by actions. 

The holy people during Jesus time know what to do. They tell people what they should do and how they should act. However, they stop at saying it. They don't do it. They are contented with just knowing what needs to be done, and find it not worth their whole to act. To actually do it. To liv their convictions. 

Knowing is not enough. It should be continued to doing. 

Jesus told the people they should do things for God and others. That they should act. In the first reading, God wants us to listen to his word, and act on it. That we could make up for our sins if we obey. Obedience and action are very important to God. 

This Lenten season, may we not stop at being sorry and knowing what should be done. May we do it and act as well, to tell God we are really sorry and we love Him. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, disturb me. May I never be satisfied with just knowing things, but be moved to act as well. Help me live my love for and faith in you through others. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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February 23, 2016
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Lectionary: 231

Reading 1 Is 1:10, 16-20

Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.

Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

Responsorial Psalm PS 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23

R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Verse Before the Gospel Ez 18:31

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD,
and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

Gospel Mt 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”