Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Every day at work I spend a fair amount of time talking to children and their parents about the importance of eating nutritious foods and exercising in order to be healthy people. I will oftentimes share that I think that this is an important lifestyle for all people, and I try to follow the same recommendations in my own life. Not only do I think it is important for me to live this healthy way, but I think it is equally important that I convey that eating healthy and exercising is something I enjoy. How else could someone be convinced to follow your advice unless they see you living what you say, and they can see the benefits that you describe? I think this is true of our spiritual lives as well. It is one thing to say that we are Christians- followers of Jesus, but we must live that out in our daily lives. Today’s readings remind us of the importance of living out the words that we speak in order to bring others to God. When we are more than empty words, and we find ourselves in the presence of God it is then that we can “sing for joy” (Ps 149)
In the first reading, St. Paul is writing to the community in Thessalonica. He reminds them that the “gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.” (1 Thes 1: 5) Paul recognizes that to share the faith, it requires more than just words. He further explains, ‘You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake.” (1Thes 1:5) It is not just the sharing of the word, but the way that faith was lived out in the lives of Paul, Silas and Timothy that enabled the Thessalonians to come to believe. The people in the community “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” (1 Thes 1:9) and came to believe that they were “loved by God” and “chosen” because of the witness of Paul and his companions.
In the gospel reading, Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for being hypocrites. Although they knew and understood the many laws of the Jewish faith, Jesus explains that they did not live out these laws. Not only did they not lead lives of faith, but they led others to destruction by poor example of how they lived. These “blind guides” would not enter the kingdom of heaven and would “not allow entrance to those trying to enter.” (Mt 23:13) They placed their emphasis on worldly things - the gold and the gifts of the altar, instead of the Godly things- the altar, the temple and the heavens. Although their teachings professed how to live lives following the laws of God, these words were hollow and without purpose because they did not reflect the way that the scribes and Pharisees practiced these commands in their daily lives.
These readings encourage me to reflect on how I put into practice the beliefs that I profess. If someone would look into my grocery cart when I am shopping, would they see healthy foods choices in my basket? I know on occasion I have met some of my patients and their families when I am working out. Although I may not look my best (covered with sweat), I recognize that there is no better way for me to witness the importance of exercise. If I look like I am enjoying what I am doing, (and I do like to exercise) then this becomes an even better form of encouraging others to follow suit. I think the same holds true with my spiritual life. If people know that I am a Catholic, do they see me being compassionate and kind, or do they see me casting judgment and losing my temper with others? When I speak about my Catholic practices (going to Mass, praying, devotions etc.) do I speak begrudgingly about these things, or do I express a true joy and love of my faith and how I live it. I know that if I want to evangelize my faith to those I meet, I must not only speak of what I believe, but I must live my faith and do this with joy. Only then would another person be attracted to joining with me as a disciple of Jesus. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J said, “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” If I live out my faith in joy it is only because of God’s Spirit that is within me. As a follower of Jesus, there could be no better way to share His kingdom than by bringing His presence to others in this world by the way I live my life filled with His joy.
"Heavenly Father, you put your law on our hearts. In your great love for us, you sent your Son, Jesus to show us how to live this love with our lives. May your Spirit within us give us the grace we need to joyfully do your will, so that all people will come to know you and give you glory. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. AMEN"
- Marylynn Herchline