Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
I often wear a cross around my neck, and I also have a rosary hanging from the rearview mirror in my car. These are small but visible signs that I am a follower of Jesus. Although these are visual cues to what I believe, the way I talk, think and act should be consistent with what these outward symbols represent. Today’s readings remind us that we must be living signs of Christ in our world. We cannot let the opinions or judgments of others prevent us from all that God is calling us to do to bring His love and mercy to others.
In today’s gospel, Jesus is under scrutiny from the scribes and Pharisees as they attempt to find a reason to accuse Him. Jesus does not succumb to their judgment but openly defies them by calling a man with a withered hand forward to be healed. Jesus proceeds to heal this man and questions His onlookers saying “is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Jesus is able to go beyond the outward signs and regulations of the law. Jesus recognizes that mercy, love, and healing are more important for this man than it is for Him to “look good” and “follow the law” demanded by the Jewish leaders. This is important for us as disciples of Christ, since He is showing us that our actions should proclaim our faith even though it may result in condemnation from others.
St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that we must remove the yeast of “malice and wickedness” and replace this with the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” People are living immorally in the community at Corinth, and St. Paul reminds them that these outward behaviors are not acceptable and they are inconsistent with being a Christian. St. Paul recognizes that for the Christian community to grow and flourish the behaviors of those living in the community must reflect the life of Jesus. When people proclaim one way of life but live completely contrary to that way, the faith of the community is weakened. This community is no longer a “credible witness” to the presence of Christ because they do not proclaim Him in their words and deeds.
As I reflect on the boldness of Jesus in the gospel, I am reminded how important my words and actions can be. When I wear a cross or others see the rosary hanging from my mirror in the car, they are alerted to the fact that I am connected to Jesus. The question then arises as to whether or not my words and deeds match what others expect because of my faith. When I am in the car, do I drive aggressively, cutting people off and cursing as I go? If I am wearing my cross (or one of my discipleship t-shirts) do my words speak of kindness and truth- or am I gossiping about someone or speaking with anger and hatred? These outward signs are not only a signal to others about Who I follow, but they are reminders to me that I need to be purposeful in allowing Christ to direct my every step. I am reminded that it is important for me to act with kindness and mercy towards others because this is what Christ would do. The goal for all disciples is that through our words and actions we become living signs of Christ in this world. When we live as followers of Jesus, people will not need to see a cross around our neck or a rosary hanging from the mirror. Our words and actions will show them that Christ is alive in us.
Heavenly Father, You send us Jesus to show us how we are to live with love. Send down Your Spirit so we may become living signs of Christ to the world. May our thoughts, words and actions always reflect Your love and give you glory. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline