A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[330] Gen 1:20-2:4a Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Mark 7:1-13

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me’- Mark 7:6

I have always believed that actions speak louder than words, and by saying this I know that I have been a hypocrite numerous times. For an example, it is so frustrating to me when I say that I am a Christian and have a little Christian fish symbol on my car, but I then experience road rage, anger, and frustration when I am driving. Another example of how I can be a hypocrite is not obeying Jesus’ rule to “love one another.” How can I love the girl who bullies my family member or love the individual who kills numerous people in a school shooting?

These are some struggles that I have experienced in my life, and I just pray that I can be a positive example of the kind of person a Christian is instead of a negative example. My goal is to lead people to Christ in my words and actions, not push them all away from him. I am slowly learning to pray for people who persecute others, and really watch and check myself before I persecute anyone. May we all love one another, honor the Lord with our actions and words, and keep our hearts close to him.