Faith in Action

   “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body what does it profit?” (James 2: 15 – 17)

   If we aren’t acting on our faith of what value is it?  The prophets spoke the word of God warning of the evils destroying the Israelites relationship with God, urging them to faithfulness.  The apostles spoke of Jesus, His life, miracles, death and resurrection.  They spread the gospel far and wide, all but one suffering martyrdom.  Many others have given their life because their faith was a faith of action.  They knew that faith requires action.

   Christians speak of their faith, yet many do very little other than speak of it.  Churches beg for volunteers to help with ministries to do those things Jesus asks of us; feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those who are sick or in prison.  Few respond.  Our Lord told those who did not do these things that would not enter the kingdom of God (see Matt 25: 41 – 43).  When asked when they had not attended to Him, Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.” (Matt 25: 45).

   If we are to practice Christian faith, helping others is not an option, it is a necessity.  Even if we are unable to help in financial ways, we can at the very least pray for them and share in whatever way is possible.  There are always opportunities to help, both in the Church and for family and friends.  We have an obligation to seek out ways in which we can do the good Christ asks of us.  By acting on our faith, reaching out in love helping others, we are reaching out in love to our Lord.

“Faith is love in action, not in feelings.” (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)