What I’m Reading Today: Luke 5
One of my very favorite sayings was given by St. Francis of Assisi. The saying goes something like this (I say something because I’ve seen several variations on the theme): “Preach the Gospel at all times – if necessary, use words.”
The purpose of those words is to call us to embody the principles and teachings of Jesus first and foremost with our lives. Words should only be used later to testify to our experience of the God revealed through Jesus. What a wonderful way of establishing priorities!
Of course St Francis wasn’t the first to suggest that our lives are the most important testament to our faith. There was this other gentleman named Jesus who was also pretty big on that idea.
In today’s reading from Luke 5, for instance, Jesus is quoted as saying to the leper whom he had just healed: “Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done” (The Message).
If you are anything like me, it seems much easier to talk about the principles of my faith rather than actually live by those principles.
Today’s reading then gives me a great challenge. It invites me to examine my life and see if there are places and/or relationships where I would much rather talk about the implications of my faith rather than embody them. Maybe you have an area like that in your life as well. If so, take a few moments throughout your day and remember the grounding sentiments of Jesus’ words – let your life bear witness to what I have done…
Til next time…
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