WALK THE TALK “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” – Matthew 23:3 A mother approached a priest, complaining about her rebellious daughter, and requested for prayers. “Father, she doesn’t listen to me. She wears inappropriate clothes and always smokes. Please talk to her,” the parent pleaded. One day, the priest decided to counsel the child. “I hear that your parents are concerned about you because of your behavior. Would you like to tell me what’s wrong?” he asked. “Father,” she said, “how can I believe them when my mother is in the mall all the time buying clothes she doesn’t wear? My dad, he smokes three packs a day. And they want me to quit.” The priest quickly realized that it was not the child who had a problem. She was only reflecting what was happening inside their home. This true story reminds us of how important it is for us to lead by example. People will not always hear what we say but they will watch and learn from what we do. The Gospel today reminds us of the sin of hypocrisy and the value of integrity. May our actions match our words today and always. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail) Reflection: “Your actions speak so loud that I can’t hear what you are saying” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Practice what you preach. Dear Lord, help us to be true in our words and deeds that we may lead people to You and cause no one to stumble along the way because of our example. Amen. St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 07:39:28 +0000