Time For Action

Good News ReflectionTuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary TimeSeptember 25, 2007
Today's Readings:Ezek 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20Ps 122:1-5Luke 8:19-21http://www.usccb.org/nab/092507.shtml

Time for action

The message in today's Gospel reading is short and sweet. Oh how truly sweet it is! To hear Jesus say that we are as dear to him as his own Blessed Mother, not to mention his other close relatives -- this is pure delight. But we're only that special if we're DOING the Word of God.
Jesus is telling each of us that it's possible to be part of his inner circle of closest family. This should motivate us to get off our prayer chairs and fly into action, changed by the Word of God, directed by the Word, empowered by the Word, making a difference in the world through the love that IS the Word, the love WHO is the Word made flesh.

Why do you think so many prayers of Christ's household (the Church) go unanswered? For example, at every Mass the priest prays, "Free us from all anxiety," yet how many of us suddenly stop worrying about our problems? This prayer is only answered when we learn what the Word says about trusting God AND we act upon it.

Why is it that a parish can add the Prayer to Saint Michael ("defend us in battle") to the end of daily Mass yet remain in division or under financial attack? It's because we shouldn't be waiting on angels to do all the work for us; to overcome the enemy while the angels defend us, we have to act upon what the Word says about community and unity or stewardship and generosity.

When we pray the Rosary, what value is there in reciting, "Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy," unless we are doing acts of mercy and reaching out to lost souls to help guide them to heaven? What good is it to recite the Divine Mercy prayer, "Have mercy on us and on the whole world," if we are not doing acts of mercy to spread God's healing love?

Why has the decline in priesthood and religious vocations continued, even after many years of many prayers for an increase? Praying is not enough. We need to pay attention to what the Word says about our own calling to ministry -- the laity as well as the ordained -- and act upon it. By being joyful, passionate ministers who are motivated by a love that goes the extra mile, our attitude will inspire others to hear and respond to their own callings. Clergy who live their vocation as a pastoral ministry instead of a job and laity who are collaboratively unified with the clergy in doing the work of God's kingdom will inspire energy for new vocations, consecrated lives, and more lay ministers.

Prayer without action is meaningless. Action without knowing the Word of God is misdirected. Hearing the Word and then acting upon it is true kinship with Christ. May we all grow as close to Jesus as his own mother. Amen!

*Taken from GoodNewsReflection*