Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Actions speak louder than words and that is why St. John in our second reading writes, “Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” If we say we love, then we must show it.
St. Paul, who was a great persecutor of the early Church at first, later became one of the greatest evangelists. In our first reading, St. Paul tells the apostles (who were still fearful of him) that the Lord had appeared to him and he was now able to “speak out boldly in the name of the Lord.” The rest of the Acts of the Apostles would tell the story of what St. Paul would do for the Lord, which would include being rejected, beaten, shipwrecked, and arrested. All done for Christ and his Gospel of forgiveness and eternal life. What he spoke is what he did.
Now, on to the Gospel reading. If we are united to Jesus, we will bear his fruit: “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, for without me you can do nothing.”
St. Paul, in his Letter to the Galatians (5:22-23) tells us what the good fruits (of the Holy Spirit) will look like: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.
Now, if we say we love the Lord, then the fruits of the Holy Spirit should begin to show in us. The same is true for all those who speak on behalf of the Lord. There should be some evidence that what they speak is what they do. The proof is in what a person does, not only what a person says. May our lips match our hearts and our hearts control hands and feet.
Have a blessed week everyone.