“Actions Speak Louder than Words.” If I had a dollar for every time my mother said this phrase growing up, we would all be going out for a steak dinner. She said it so often that it is part of me now. One can talk all he likes, but if his actions and behavior do not match his words, well that might be cause to pause and ponder some things.
In today’s gospel reading Jesus tells them, “Go and tell John what you see and hear.” He is referring to the miracles He does. The making the blind see, the lame walk, the cleansing of the lepers, making the deaf hear and raising the dead. Jesus’s actions are those of mercy and compassion.
High Standards and Mercy
When I first read through this gospel reading and got to the last line, I thought to myself, “yikes.” It states, “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” If that doesn’t make you stop in your tracks, I don’t know what will. John the Baptist, he who baptized our savior. We are called to very high standards. And yet, our God is also a God of compassion and mercy. It can be, and is, both. It is not an either-or scenario.
While reflecting on this gospel, I was reminded of something that happened many years ago. I have decided to “go and tell you.” I was expecting our fourth child, first boy. At my twenty-week anatomy scan, the technician saw something very concerning on his brain. This led to further testing and more in-depth scans. In the weeks of waiting, we prayed and hoped.
On the dreary, cold morning of my next appointment, I remember pulling into the parking garage and having some time to spare. I got out my bible and opened it asking God to show me a word. I cannot make this stuff up when I tell you my eyes landed on, He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Mt 17:20.
Move this Mountain
Aloud, with tears in the eyes, I proclaimed, “Lord, move this mountain.” And that was that. In that moment I knew everything was going to be okay, even if the outcome was not what my heart desired. I had faith that God was doing exactly what was supposed to be done. Is my faith always this bold and certain? No. I wish I could tell you, yes, yes, yes! But I am human and still very much a work in progress. On that day though, I saw a miracle and gladly told anyone who would listen. My actions matched my words as I marched onward with peace and confidence in the Lord.
Is there something that God has done in your life that left you in awe? Share it with others. People need to hear our stories. People hunger for the Good News.
Go and tell of the miracles you see and hear.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing your own real-life experience.