Great reflection. Aquinas says that when we make a choice there are two things we ultimately choose. The end and the means. So when I feed the poor this external act is actually what I’ve chosen for the means. But the end is hidden. Some might feed the poor to help them or love them, others who are seeking honours or the opinion of righteousness.
Words and deeds ultimately are means (useful externals) to accomplish our chosen motive. But a Christian “witness” is one who is disposed rightly, while using rightly, words and deeds.
I find many tend to argue that deeds are better than words. It’s certainly revealing when deeds contradict our words. But we as sinners can nonetheless put on a good show even with our deeds. This debate ultimately distracts us from the interior life of a “witness.”
A witness us not reduced to some external act, it’s connected to an authentic, spiritually fruitful disposition.
A witness is one who genuinely loves God and Neighbor and chooses the means that help bring this to fulfillment. People can be fooled by a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But many can sniff them out. A witness is not only trusted, but bears good fruit
Mar 7, 2023Liked by Jane Korvemaker, Fr. Chris Pietraszko, Kelly Ann Tallent
Beautiful reflection on the Gospel reading today. Thank you for you openness and honesty. I know I struggle similarly with my ego and appreciate the reminder to focus on humility.
Who Is Seeking Honour, Lord?
Great reflection. Aquinas says that when we make a choice there are two things we ultimately choose. The end and the means. So when I feed the poor this external act is actually what I’ve chosen for the means. But the end is hidden. Some might feed the poor to help them or love them, others who are seeking honours or the opinion of righteousness.
Words and deeds ultimately are means (useful externals) to accomplish our chosen motive. But a Christian “witness” is one who is disposed rightly, while using rightly, words and deeds.
I find many tend to argue that deeds are better than words. It’s certainly revealing when deeds contradict our words. But we as sinners can nonetheless put on a good show even with our deeds. This debate ultimately distracts us from the interior life of a “witness.”
A witness us not reduced to some external act, it’s connected to an authentic, spiritually fruitful disposition.
A witness is one who genuinely loves God and Neighbor and chooses the means that help bring this to fulfillment. People can be fooled by a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But many can sniff them out. A witness is not only trusted, but bears good fruit
Beautiful reflection on the Gospel reading today. Thank you for you openness and honesty. I know I struggle similarly with my ego and appreciate the reminder to focus on humility.
Yes, lets do that!
Excellent! I think you were writing with me in mind😂 Just kidding, but I sure can relate!!