The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5:16

It has been said that actions speak louder than words or that good example is the best sermon. When people put into practice what they believe, their actions mean more than mere words. It is easy for Christians to give lip service or say, ‘Lord, Lord.’ Jesus says that the true disciple is the one who “hears my word and keeps it.”

While it is important not to brag or boast about good deeds, it is also important to perform good deeds in the spirit of service. The gospel is all about loving service. Jesus came on earth to show us how to serve; to show us how to do the will of his Father. “I have come,” he says, “not to be served, but to serve.”

When we put into practice Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, hospitality and service towards others; when we “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, visit those who are sick or in prison, and bury the dead” with reverence and love, we give glory to our heavenly Father by our good deeds.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness,” says a Chinese proverb. When it comes to giving glory to God by our good deeds, it is better, by far, to help your brother or sister in need than to stand idly by, doing nothing.

Fr. Hugh Duffy