Take action! Walk the Talk

Women of Faith

Just because we “hear,” are we really listening? Just because we “see,” are our eyes really open?

In yesterday’s gospel, only one out of ten that was healed, returned to give thanks. The rest were given a sign, but took no action.

“As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."’ Lk 17:11-19

The responsorial also reminds us that God is speaking to us and that we should take the action of His word. “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.” Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

Are we going to church, sitting in the pews, listening, and then walking out saying I’ve “done” God for the week? Or,” I have been “saved,” I know there is a God, so God will take care of me, regardless of how I act until I come back to church?”

Our call from God is to KNOW him, LOVE him, and SERVE him. But that also means that we must obey his commands, not just listen, that we must take action on what we hear, not just accept and continue our “normal” ways; that we are to lead by action, to speak softly as God commands and to accept the sacrifices and burdens given to us, just as Jesus accepted his cross.

In today’s society making the choice to DO God’s will is VERY difficult, because there is so much around us that says, “this is the way society is, it must be okay, everyone else is doing it.” Or I can’t fix “society;” so as long as I am “good” I have done my part. Choosing the path of God means that we will take the action of love and forgiveness; that we will take the “first, most difficult step;” that we will thank God for the small blessings, that we will “open” our eyes, bear our crosses and reach for a greater goal than just happiness on earth.

As Father Corapi says, “God’s ways are not societies ways; God’s way is tough to follow because the happiness that He promises is something that is not an immediate gratification, but rather what is eternal. We do not go to heaven alone, we will either take our friends and family with us; or they will take us to a place that does not know God. It is our choice.”

Dear God: Praise be your saving power. Forgive me for the times when I chose or will choose an “easier” path. Thank you for protecting my home from evil forces, for putting angels in the path of thieves, so even they could not ignore Your sign. Help me to have the courage and faith to walk the talk, not just talk the talk; to see your signs, and to not be afraid to take action. Keep my eyes and ears open to the signs you place before me. Amen.

Blessings as you walk the talk,
Charlotte
www.morningreflection.blogspot.com