“Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” // Matthew 5:19
“Ugh, this is the worse day ever!” yelled my middle schooler, dramatically exiting the room. I sighed and looked over to my husband who was trying to hide his smile behind the book he was supposedly reading. He looked at me and asked, “Who does that sound like?” I scoffed. “I hope you don’t mean me?” He chuckled and went back to his book.
He was right. Although all my children have their own unique personalities, I can see traits of my husband and myself—in their mannerisms and behavior. Sometimes they reflect the best of us and sometimes, they imitate or say things we wish we could take back.
While my middle schooler returned and apologized for the outburst and gave me a hug, I recalled something a priest told me in Confession, “You’re teaching your children not just with your words, but with your actions and attitude.”
That applies not just to my kids, but to the example I am giving everyone. The way I act in person—with friends, coworkers, at the market, or even how I comment on a social media post—speaks volumes about the kind of person I am and the values I hold.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus doesn’t mince words when He says, “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
As we go about our day today, let’s be extra aware of the lessons we are teaching through our actions. Are we reflecting the person of Christ or are we pushing them further away from Him?
Lord, help me to be a person of light in the darkness. May my words, actions, and attitude draw people to You and Your Mercy. Amen.
Lord, help me to be a person of light in the darkness. // Bobbi RolClick to tweet
Bobbi Rol is a wife and mama living on the Monterey Bay in California with her husband, daughter (also a Blessed Is She writer), and three teen boys. When she is not driving her kids to school, practices, and games, she can be found by the ocean, catching a movie, or collecting journals and stationery. She was a contributing author to Gift: Study on the Eucharist, And Hay Became Holy, and our children’s devotional prayer book, Rise Up. Find out more about her at https://www.instagram.com/
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