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A prominent theologian has remarked that the dichotomy between saying and doing is the basic sin. While this is very true, the statement of itself is not new, as today's gospel illustrates: Jesus instructs the people to follow the teaching of the Pharisees but not to imitate their actions: "they do not practise what they preach" he says. At another time Jesus criticizes the Jews, whether the leaders or the people as a whole: "This people honours me with their lips but their heart is far from me" (Mt15:8). Mark (8:6) notes that the prophet Isaiah had already levelled this criticism against the people (cf. Is 29:18).
It would seem a relatively easy thing to do to bring what one says into harmony with one's actions and behaviour, but living a complete integration of faith and behaviour, faith and morality are not something we can achieve all the time, unless we try to live fully under the guidance of God's grace.
Father in Heaven, grant that the guidance of the Holy Spirit will help us to integrate our faith and our thoughts, words and attitudes.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.
Elaboration
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