Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

At first those seem like harsh words from Jesus. Am I not a good Catholic if I can recite Bible verses, go to church every Sunday, write Gospel reflections? While all those things are good, they are not enough. I have to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I have to practice what I preach.

To enter the kingdom of Heaven, I have to live a virtuous life, not just speak about the virtues. I have to be consistent in my words and in my actions, no matter how difficult the circumstances and no matter how great the condemnation from the secular world.

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

Ponder:

When you say you are a follower of Christ, will those who see your actions believe you?

Pray:

Lord, make me a doer of Your word and not just a hearer. Make me faithful and true in good times and in bad.

Terry McDermott is very happily married and is the proud mom of 6 handsome young men and 2 beautiful young women, ranging in age from mid-20s to pre-teens. She enjoys being her parish’s First Communion catechist. A Registered Nurse, Terry is the owner of a nursing related business. In her precious little spare time, she reads, hikes and enjoys family and friends. St. Joseph, St. Therese, St. Gianna, St. Monica and St. Camillus de Lellis are her go-to saints, along with Our Blessed Mother. While striving to live a life centered on the Gospel through prayer and service, she reminds herself daily that “everything is grace” (St.Therese). Terry also blogs at Catholic Insight Magazine and her own blog at http://8kidsandabusiness.wordpress.com

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