"They preach but they do not practice." (Matthew 23: 3).
Jesus tackles a key problem of the scribes and Pharisees in the Gospel of today. He is not castigating the necessary work of all preachers, evangelists, teachers of the word, catechists, parents etc. His message is pointed and can be understood by a child. When you practice what you preach, your message is so much authentic and effective. No missionary dares overlook this lesson. The people you evangelize are watching you closely. They have one question in their minds: "Is he real?"
Let us consider some of the things we teach and preach that we should practice:
Faith, patience, kindness, goodness, humility, chastity, mercy, etc. All these are qualities of Jesus.
How do we practice Mercy for example? Remember the ABC of Mercy?
Ask for Mercy.
Be Merciful.
Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.
Sounds simple? Yes indeed. God Never refuses Mercy to anyone who asks. Remember the steward who owes his master over $100 million and could not repay him? The Master [Jesus] said to the servant:
"You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to." (Matthew 18: 32).
No matter how much debt/sin we have, God is willing to forgive us everything, always and everywhere.
He wants us to be merciful to people who owes us much less.
So brothers and sisters,
Believe what you hear/read from the word of God.
Teach what you believe.
Practice what you teach.
And you will hear from the Master:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy." (Matthew 25: 21).
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