Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Mark 16:15-20
There is a popular quote attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi that has always spoken to me (no pun intended). “Always preach the gospel and when necessary, use words.” I've come to find out (thank you, Google) his exact words were “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” I assume it is from this wisdom that we pulled the more common phrase, “walk the talk.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges his disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” In the first reading, however, we are cautioned that “God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.” We are to be careful not to “lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock.”
When we reach a point in our faith journey where we get a true glimpse of the Father’s love for us, it is something we want to shout from the rooftops. We want to gather everyone into the fold of His love and convince them following Jesus is the way to go. Further, when we understand the impact of our sin on the One who loves us so unconditionally, we can fall victim to assuming others should understand as well and should live accordingly. For those still figuring this guy out, however, our words fall empty. Conversely, our example will speak louder than any speech we could orate. A glimpse from a bystander into the life of one who truly understands his or her value in the eyes of the Lord is the most powerful argument to pick up our crosses, take the hand of our Father and journey with Jesus. And that is the assignment Jesus gives us today. Walk humbly. Talk quietly. And be that example.
Ponder:
Have you ever had someone surprise you and tell you that you served as a positive example to them in one way or another? Have you been a bystander and learned from another’s example? Don’t miss the opportunity to share with them what you learned and thank them for their quiet, yet powerful, lesson.
Pray:
Dear Lord, we thank You for being the truest example of mercy, grace, and selfless love. Please help us to “walk the talk” among our brothers and sisters, keeping our pride in check and living humbly in and through Your wisdom.
Copyright 2022 Nicole Johnson
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