Practice what you preach. But even better, preach what you practice - Daily Bible Reflections November 18,2013

Dedication of the Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostle

 

STAGE FRIGHT

 

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied. – Luke 18:41

I don’t preach as often as my friends who are Feast builders. While they preach almost every day, I do so only when a company, prayer group or school invites me. So compared to them, I’d say I’m more nervous when I am onstage.

       At the same time, I suffer from another form of stage fright. Whenever I go up on a platform to preach, I know that the spotlight shines, not just on me as I deliver my talk, but on my whole life as well. People can freely scrutinize — and even criticize — me and how I live.

       I take the stage with holy fear and awe knowing that I am merely a spokesman of the Lord of the universe. I don’t want to misrepresent Him or give Him a bad reputation for choosing His spokespersons so poorly.

       So I pray for the grace to see the truth behind my motives and actions. To see the areas in my life where I do not practice what I preach. To see that when people applaud or praise me, the glory is the Lord’s, not mine.

       Because ultimately, the only applause that matters is that which comes from my audience of One. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Practice what you preach. But even better, preach what you practice.

 

Lord, let me see the darkness in my life that I may let Your light shine.

 

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, pray for us.