WORDS OR DEEDS? SCRIBES OR JESUS?
Finally
we arrive at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. The lesson
today has a very clear and unmistakable impact. In the end, it’s all a
matter of doing, putting into practice, and living out the teaching.
If yesterday we were reflecting on the necessary fruits to back up or
prove our worth, today’s Gospel lesson is even more concrete. We said,
“fruits, not roots.” Today we say, “deeds, not words.”
It’s the doing that counts more. Doing is what guarantees a strong and
solid foundation in our life. Doing sees to it that we are not stuck
with mere good intentions and noble aspirations. With doing, everything
is translated into reality, capped unto completion, and brought to
fruition.
The opposite is horrible: disaster, catastrophe and calamity.
Metaphorically speaking, it’s even worse than earthquakes and typhoons, capsized ferries, and flooded streets. The spoken words have been rendered in vain or have come to naught. What a pity!
Of course, Jesus is our example and master in this case. He knew
perfectly well the value of words, and He did not hesitate to speak and
teach. But more importantly, He gave witness to His own words. He backed
them up with concrete deeds of love and compassion, forgiveness and
healing. We therefore understand and appreciate the last verse much
better: “The crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them
as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”
Those of us, especially in the ministry of teaching and preaching,
would do well to examine and ask ourselves: Are we mere “scribes” of the
people? Or are we like Jesus to them? Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do your actions reflect what your faith dictate?
Help me live out the words that I profess, O Lord. Amen.
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