Who shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord? — Psalm 15:1

Mass Readings: James 1:19-27 / Mark 8:22-26

Actions over Words

We’ve all heard the expression “actions speak louder than words” and we’ve seen its manifestations. Words without an adjoining action are hollow; we learn very quickly of the shallowness of an individual in such a case. Both James and Jesus exhort their listeners to be people of action. James tells his audience to act on the word, which is something that Jesus did continually in His public ministry. In today’s Gospel He acts to cure a blind man.

Too often we observe the hollowness of people who can’t apply their words in a positive and active way to assist others. Rather, they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Scripture encourages us today to be people of action and not mere words. Let’s be consistent in word and deed.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me say and do what is right.