Meaning What We Say

In one of his sermons, St. Anthony of Padua said, “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves.”  We can say many things, but when it comes to living them out, I think many of us fall short – at least I know I do.  Jesus told His disciples to let their “yes” mean “yes” and their “no” mean “no.” Hypocrisy was big then, and it is big now. We can’t say one thing and do another, or better yet, do nothing at all! We see so many people say this is wrong and that is bad but when it comes time to act or show active support, they suddenly become small and fade into the background.

Are we like that? Are we “full of words but empty of actions?” God loves us, and even though He had no need to show it, He did.  He sent His only Son.  Jesus died on the Cross.  As it is said in the Scriptures, “I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD” (Ez. 37:14). Let us today cast off that old self of empty actions and words and put on the new self of truth. Let us beg for the grace of humility and courage to let our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no,” and may our actions reflect our words.