Our first reading today from 1 Corinthians 2 is short, but packs a lot of punch. For the Gospel reading, we’re in Luke 4. Jesus returns to Nazareth, the town where He grew up. In the synagogue, He unrolls the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and reads a prophesy. He finishes with, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Cue the Holy Spirit goose bumps!
A couple of old sayings we all know: “Actions speak louder than words.” And, from St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” In our first reading today, we hear St. Paul talks about just these things. “My message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power.” Note the wording.
“My message and proclamation were…with a DEMONSTRATION of spirit and power.” Our faith needs to be demonstrative. It is not enough to preach and teach. These are certainly important, but only part of the equation of evangelization. We must also DEMONSTRATE the faith. It’s like the vacuum salesman. He can tell you how great his product is until he’s blue in the face. But you don’t get the full effect until he demonstrates it, and you see all the glorious things it can do. Same with Christianity. It is most effectively “sold” through a demonstration.
Father, help us to live out our faith vibrantly today; to demonstrate our Christian faith to others, that they may be attracted to you. Amen.
Thank you Mel. I just subscribed to Fr. Corrigan’s blog.
Peace & Blessings
Carl
Please remind Gus that St. Francis never said these words that are quoted in today’s reflection.
Fr. George Corrigan, OFM and other friars have written about this.
https://tinyurl.com/y33w54zf