Action Speaks Louder Than Words
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
My dear encountered couples:
The people sensed something very powerfully appealing in the teachings of Jesus. The gospel says, “The people were spellbound because he taught with authority and not like the scribes.” Some people have by nature the ability to draw and influence others when they speak because they seem to convey their message with a sense of authenticity and authority. They speak convincingly. They have what is called the charisma of natural born leaders, capable of leading others towards the truth, or into error.
Many people do not have that natural talent. Even though they themselves may never be influenced by false leaders, they do not seem capable of speaking to people and leading them to find the right way in life. They leave that up to others.
For a follower of Christ, it is not necessary to have the natural ability of being able to influence through speech. It is sufficient to live a good Christian life of love and thereby teach and lead others by the example of action. Though it may seem to us best to be able to do both — preach and practice what we preach as did Jesus - God has willed it that most are to practice, that is, live the teachings of Christ and in that way lead others to him.
Discover and become aware of your God-given abilities. Then, with his help, try to do what it is you think he wants of you. When you do God’s will your life takes on an invisible power of authority and influence. You may not be aware of it, but those who are open to God will be favorably affected.
