When I first read today’s readings, I honestly struggled to find their deeper meanings.  So, I set them aside for about a week.  Today, I looked at them again.  I was particularly struck by the first reading Titus 2:1-8.  At first, I struggled with it because I felt like it so specifically outlined what our actions needed to be depending on our gender and age.  However, after re-reading the article, I found beautiful meaning.  I focused on verse 12:

“You see, God’s grace has been revealed to save the whole human race; it has taught us that we should give up everything contrary to true religion and all our worldly passions; we must be self-restrained and live upright and religious lives in the present world, waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus.” 

To me, this verse summarizes all of the preceding verses in the reading because it emphasizes the need to preach the gospel with our lives and in our actions.  Actions speak louder than words.  Francis of Assisi espoused this belief when he said, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.”  Our actions will always speak louder than any words we use.  If fall in love with Christ, it means we will have to make difficult life-style choices.  It means we have to be gentle, sincere, and earnest.  These choices will permeate everything we do, think, and say.  They will affect our social lives.  They will most certainly leave us feeling uncomfortable because that is what love is all about.  These choices could mean we have to dance and speak differently than others.  Loving Christ will mean different changes for every person.  Pedro Arrupe S.J. once said, “Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.  What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything.  It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.  Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”    
Truly loving Christ will change our actions.  If we truly love Him, then our first reading does not seem quite so daunting.  It simply encourages us to love Christ with every part of our day and our lives.  Today, I encourage you to see where Christ needs your actions.  Where do you need to preach the gospel with your life?  Sometimes, words just are not enough.  Take a risk.  Hold nothing back from Christ.  Let every breath and motion reflect your love for Him.