![]() To be truly Christian, it is necessary to strive to think, want, desire and love as Jesus did. We should avoid in our behavior that which we deplore in others. For if I be truly found a Christian, I may also be called one, and be deemed faithful.” Christianity does not consist in living our faith in an external or merely formal way, as the Pharisees lived their religion, but in loving God to the point of showing that love in our personal and public behavior. Ignatius of Antioch stated the importance of truly being Christian, not just being called one: “Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but truly will and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really found to be one. ![]() Being Christian: In his epistle to the Romans, St.And, if we find ourselves in a position in which we have the responsibility of preaching or teaching catechism, we should sincerely try to live up to the doctrine that we preach, which is not ours but God’s. Our following the truth should not depend on whether or not others live it. When someone tells us the truth, we should accept it-even if that person doesn’t live the truth he preaches. One thing is content, and the other is personal example. It’s easy to remind others how things should be done it is much harder to give witness of an authentic Christian life. Practice What You Preach: The world needs witnesses more than it needs teachers.Petition : Lord, help me to grow in my Christian identity and commitment. I love you because you died in order to give me life. I hope in you because you have promised to be with us until the end of time. Introductory Prayer : Dear Lord, I believe in you because you became man to reveal the Father’s love and the way your followers should live. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” The greatest among you must be your servant. Do not be called ‘Master’ you have but one master, the Christ. Call no one on earth your father you have but one Father in heaven. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. All their works are performed to be seen. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. For they preach but they do not practice. ![]() Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
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