Practice what you preach....and who you are

In today's gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus says, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do no follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice."

During this season of Lent here at St. Charles, we are Pledging Lent Together. We follow a theme through the week to use during our prayer time. This week's theme is Transfiguration. We are encouraged to sit with something beautiful. Why not sit with the very word of God. The gospel reading reminds us that what we are to practice what we preach. These are good words for us to ponder, to sit with, and to be transformed by. Do we practice what we preach?

Practicing what we preach, I believe, is not just about an external action that corresponds with our words. It is about a deep reality that comes from God and is planted within us. It is God's very word within us that gives us life. And from that life comes a corresponding action. Our actions come from the very life of God. Our practices come from our being attentive to God in his word proclaimed, allowing it to seep deep within us, transform us, and move us to activity that manifests the very life of God in our community and world. We practice, we act because we are inspired and loved by God.

Sit with something beautiful today...God's word...and be transfigured.

Fr. Mark