Homily on Matthew 23:1-12.Practice what you Preach (Tuesday the 18th of March 2025)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

In a small village, a teacher appeared to be very kind and was known for teaching about the need for truth and service. Every week he used to call the community together to remind them to be kind and honest in their everyday way of life. However, when a terrible storm threatened the village one day, the teacher’s words were certainly not seen in his actions. One of the nearby small huts was completely damaged and many of the villagers ran to him for help. However, the teacher ignored his neighbour’s cries for help as he was busy preparing a talk for his next week’s meeting. It was a poor craftsman who generously opened his simple home for those who were in need. This great act of care and compassion inspired others also to open their hands and hearts to others.

The story reminds us of the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi who once said, “Be the change that you wish to see.” His actions became a living model to others of how practice can speak louder than words. The teacher,in the  story,on the other hand spoke about kindness but became an example of empty words without action.

Jesus speaks about such kinds of teachers and leaders in today’s Gospel, who preach but do not practice what they have asked others to practice. Jesus’ teaching challenges  every one of us whether we are parents, teachers, priests, or religious. Our words become meaningless and hollow unless followed by our actions that show our true and real integrity. Jesus teaches us that greatness consists not in empty words but in humble service and making a sincere effort to put into practice what we preach.

The prophet Micah exhorts us, “act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” We are amazed to see that such ancient words tell us that what matters most are not our words but our actions. When we are led by example, practice what we preach, our actions sow seeds of trust and without question brings about transformation in our families, parishes, and communities.

Today, it can be clearly seen that so many, throughout the world, fail to practice what they preach. If we can think of a teacher, for a moment, who always speaks of patience and honesty but yet is quick to anger when challenged themselves or we can also consider a community superior who advises fairness but fails to show empathy to those in trouble.  These kinds of contradictions are very confusing to people and are meaningless. However, as the humble craftsman in the story, showed, a single act of genuine care can change hearts and mend the broken trust.

The gospel passage today invites us to reflect whether our own daily lives reflect the values that we speak others to practice. We can ask ourselves how we can narrow the gap between our words and actions.

As we reflect on this Gospel passage let us learn from the example of the craftsman who acted and not merely spoke like the teacher who gave wonderful lessons on kindness. The craftsman acted out of love without seeking praise for himself and we can learn from this that change begins in the hearts of each one of us. Let us all make an effort so that our lives may become a true reflection of our words, creating a legacy of love and service that transforms our homes and society.

Let us pray: O! lord help us to practice what we preach in our day today lives. Amen.

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God Bless