Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent - March 31, 2023

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Jeremiah 20:10-13 John 10:31-42 

In today’s Gospel, we are shown a very powerful message that what we do in representation of the Lord, or other faithful acts, is more impactful than speaking about it. Our parish exhibits this same message, that actions speak louder than words. At Visitation, not only do we encourage others to help in the community, we do more tangible actions like making care bags for the homeless and sponsoring Morning Glory Ministries. It is not enough to say that you are a philanthropist or a hardworking person. It is important to do the actions that truly embody those ideals. 

To be honest, sometimes I wonder if this message even means anything because, “doesn’t just saying thank you do the same thing as paying a kind act forward?” As time has gone on I have been able to unlock a deeper meaning to this message. Sure, sometimes it is okay to just say “thank you,” but maybe the scenario calls for something more. This could be holding the door for the next person when someone has held it for you; or leaving a kind letter in someone else’s mailbox, even when you are having a bad day. Actions like these are why our deeds mean more than our words; because they have a greater impact on not just ourselves but others. Think of how good you feel when someone does something for you. It is a feeling that I would want to share with others. 

It may be hard to overcome our previous ways, but God is there right by our side. As the reading says, “But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion.” If we spread the message of the Lord through actions, big and small, the impact will be more than we can imagine. Something that we like to think about is that kindness spreads. When someone does something kind for you it will impact not just you, but it will also inspire others to spread the kindness of the Lord as well. 

Q: Who has been kind to me today, or lately? To whom can I pass that kindness along?

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