really spoke to me today....isn't it funny how when you are having issues with one thing or another , then you go to church and somehow one of the readings or the Gospel to reaches out to you and gives you answers ...I've had this happen with me many times over the last few years...today it was with a reading from the Letter of James.....he calls us to "Be DOERS of the word and not merely HEARERS who deceive themselves."
Taken from Today's bulletin:
"Christianity is not a religion of theory; faith must be put into practice. he is concerned about some of the Christian communities where the belief that one is saved by faith alone had been turned onto a mockery of the Christian life.
In modern times this would be the Chrisitian who goes to church ,recieves the eucharist , even goes to confession regularly, but behaves abominably towards others."
"Then the words that neatly sum up his message. Be Doers of the word and not merely Hearers . In other words, practice what you preach. Be a living, breathing sermon. or as St. Francis said " Preach the gospel always: if necesary , use words.
How do we do this? In a verse left out of our excerpt, James admonishes Christians to "bridle their tongues". We forget that we are created in God's Image. Just as God created the world by speakign, the words from our mouths create a world around us. Gossip and other unworthy talk create a hateful world."
Paige Byrne Shortal
I'm sad to admit that, at times, I've been like those Christians who listen but don't necessarily put it onto practice..
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