The commentary that I used for Mass this morning had some good points that we can think about and one point is clear and to the point. "Be short on speech but long on performance. Don't talk the talk but do walk the walk" (Loose-Leaf Lectionary, 1949). We hear this in Matthew's gospel, 23:1-12, "For they preach but they do not practice." Of course, we are always called to practice what we preach and we need to preach with confidence and firmness, but do so in a pastoral manner. As the beginning commentator went on to write, "Lent is that special time in the church's calendar for aligning priorities. It is that season for recalling (1) the people we have promised or even sworn to help and (2) our actual performance in meeting those obligations. As believers recall these two items, they do well to reflect on the traditional proverb that actions speak louder than words. Talking the talk is patently inadequate. Disciples must make a concerted effort to walk the walk"
(1949). This call to practice what we preach is urgently needed in our present world and society. There are so many attacks going on regarding religious liberty and human life and we need to take a stand for what is right. Do not be afraid to follow the example of Jesus, who is our ultimate teacher and preacher. He did not back down from putting the word into practice and we cannot back down either. Let us pray for the grace to be firm and pastoral preachers as we let our walking do the talking!!! God Bless You!!!
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