Actions should speak louder than words

Gospel: Jn 10:31-42

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032224.cfm

Jesus was condemned in today’s gospel by how he spoke, not by how he acted. It amazes me how our words and ideas can be such a point of contention. The world looks different if you strip it of ideas and words and focus on actions. Think of all the lives lost over differences in ideologies and beliefs. We justify all kinds of evil in the name of ideology.

But we always have a choice. We can have a difference in opinion and still break bread together. We can worship differently and still take care of each other. Compassion, love, and mercy are all reflections of God regardless of who they are coming from. None of us are good all the time as none of us are evil all the time either.  How much better would the world be if we endorsed the goodness we find in others regardless of our differences in opinion?

Try to look at actions and less on the words and ideologies when relating to others. What are some beliefs you have that stop you from treating others with compassion and love? Challenge yourself to go beyond those beliefs and choose love.