In these difficult times, we may find ourselves challenged to live our Christian faith: tempers are short, patience is often difficult to find, and the increased stress of daily survival takes its toll on the hearts and minds of all. In the midst of this, there remains the power of choice: We can choose to consider this time of trial as a good reason to throw a gigantic pity party for ourselves, or we can choose to see it as the opportunity it is to put our Christian faith into action.
We have all likely heard the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” Whether we are conscious of it or not, our daily actions demonstrate our beliefs and values about ourselves, others, and the world. As members of an earthly family, we are called to represent our family name in a positive way when we leave our homes. As members of a Christian family, we have the same responsibility to align what we do with what we say we believe, because we are not just representing ourselves in the way we live our lives. Our lives represent the Church, the Body of which we are a part. So what does that mean?
St. James gives us a concrete example when he says, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (Jm 2:14-16) As Christians, we are called to be “salt...and light for the world” (Mt 5:13-14). God gives us daily exercises to demonstrate perfect patience and generosity: to be slow to anger, to resist judging our neighbour, to love our enemies. St. Matthew says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Mt 5:16). All the good that we manage to do with His grace is for His glory. Those around us define who we are as Christians through our actions. We need to ask ourselves what kind of witnesses are we to this faith? Jesus is the perfect example. He once asked his apostles, “But who do you say that I am?” to which Simon Peter replied, "You are the Messiah" (Mt 16:15-16). If we truly know that Jesus is Christ, then our calling as Christians is to walk our talk and truly follow him. St. Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20).
Challenge: Take time this week for some honest self-reflection and consider the ways you have/have not been demonstrating your Christian faith lately. Find something you wish to improve upon and make a commitment to God to work on that this week with His grace.
Who we are, and what we do, as we live our Christian lives truly matters. After all, “People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do”- Lewis Cass
Have a blessed week!
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