A theme of quite a few of my blogs have to do with actions.
Not necessarily just the theological issue of works and faith but, more so, our
daily actions as people. The theme of this week’s scriptures at Sunday Mass was
that whoever helps another will be rewarded while whoever leads another astray
will be punished. St. Francis would tell his followers to join him in
teaching the Gospel and to use words if necessary.
It is very important to act in a civil and, moreover, a
Christian way in our daily lives from greeting our family first thing each
morning with a smile and throughout the day to all people with whom we are in
contact. At a reception after a dedication ceremony at my parish
yesterday after the Mass, I noticed that our Bishop greeted everyone in
attendance with a most winning and genuine smile. I could not help but to
think that was leadership in action. I was considering this blog at the time
and knew, at that moment, that I must include that observation of the Bishop in
this blog. He was never aloof but was a most kind and warm shepherd of
his flock. A wonderful example for us all.
It is not a matter of doing great things at all. It
just starts with a smile, being on time, saying please and thank you. Let
me share with you a couple of my favorite sayings of Mother Teresa: “Kind words
can be short and easy to speak, but their echos are truly endless” and “God
doesn’t require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.” The theme
of her life is love - love of God and love of each other. Sounds familiar
doesn’t it? Sounds like the theme of the life of our Lord, Jesus.
But, love is meaningless if it is not put into actions on a
daily basis. Not just in great or cosmic actions but in the small acts of
our daily life done with the love of God and of each other. I will close
with a final saying of Mother Teresa: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not yet
come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
Let me know what you think.
Let the light of our Lord shine upon you!
I just read your blog; and, as you progress in this process of sharing your thoughts, there is much I can relate to. I imagine that others can relate as well. I am enjoying reading your postings and sharing my own thoughts and reactions. Your observation of the Bishop's genuine and warm smile to all he greeted reminded me of the magic a smile can work--on oneself and on another! Creating a warm and friendly culture wherever we go is contagious and multiplies in our thoughts, words, and actions throughout the day. Being in a loving frame of mind translates to our daily lives so that we live our lives in a Christian way. As we express the love of God, our world is transformed.
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