Words and Deeds

Jesus, this is a good time for me to sit and talk with you here at Virginia's house. I’m staying with her mother while they are away for a few hours. I am thinking about what St. James said — what good is it to wish someone a good day when they are so much in need they can’t have a good day. How can they unless someone supplies the need?

    I think so often things people say are empty words, glibly uttered, not really meant because when it comes to doing, there are excuses, excuses, excuses. There are Pietistic utterances, prayers, rosaries, masses, promises — all are meaningless until they are put into action in the marketplace. It follows your own words, Jesus, "By their fruits you will know them.”[1]

    It is really quite beautiful, this Gospel Way; how many times we can tie our thoughts to a Gospel passage, and in this Gospel-habit-minded way we can recall quotes that fit in with what we are saying or thinking. It's like shaking hands with an old friend.

    Here (tongue in cheek) is another way to say the same thing.

 

If I should say, "I think

That you would like a drink,"

And then not give the water.

It’d not be what it ought-er.

 

If a friend should say, "I’m sad,”

And I answered, “Oh, too bad.”

Then turned and walked away

With, “Have a beautiful day.”

 

Lord, you'd shake your head and say to me,

"You should've listened to her plea.

It'd not hurt you a whit

To remain with her a bit.”

 

That'd be your answer strong

And I'd know that I'd done wrong;

For it's very plain to see

What you are telling me.

 

“It's not your words, but deeds,

That fills your brother's needs.”

So put a smile on someone's face

Out in the marketplace

And make your deeds supply the leaven

That will help you rise to heaven.