After a young seminarian had preached at a Sunday service, a school teacher who used to conduct service in the church was quick to point out to the people that there was no difference between how the seminarian preached and how he the teacher used to preach. In other words, people should not pay more regard to the words of the seminarian. In reaction, the seminarian did not say much, he just pointed out what the world lacks is not preachers; anybody can preach. What the world lacks rather, are doers of the word. The gospel today points out the difference between those who merely listen without acting on the word and those who listen and act. Saints Cornelius and Cyprian were not mere listeners. They acted on the word, even when they had to pay the supreme price by the shedding of their blood.

PRAYER: Lord, free me from hypocrisy. May I not be thought to be righteous when all the while I am far from being pure in your sight. Amen