Since the heart is the source of our actions, as the heart is, so are they.
- St. Francis de Sales
Introduction to the Devout Life
Introduction to the Devout Life
This puts me in mind of Matthew 23:27-28:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
These thoughts are both so meaningful, and both lead to an important question:
What do my actions reveal about the state of my heart?
Jesus's scolding of the Pharisees in this verse and also Luke is also very helpful to me.
ReplyDeleteJesus said in Luke:
Good people draw what is good from the store of goodness in their hearts, bad people draw what is bad from the store of badness. For the words of the mouth flow out of what fills the heart. Why do you call to me, "Lord, Lord" and not do what I say? ~ Luke 6:45
Really helps when we figure out where to invest our time cooperating with the Holy Spirit transforming us from within. When I catch myself being critical or judgmental, I know I am acting more like a Pharisee that Jesus scolded. When I am noticing the goodness and virtue in someone and giving thanks to God for this evidence of his sanctifying grace, I think I am in better place. Also it helps me personally to discern the sheeps in wolves clothing. If someone is spouting hate, judgment and lacking in love, understanding, compassion, I get the idea that my time is being wasted.
Great post. I dropped by from Follow Friday 40 and Over. I hope you can drop by too.
ReplyDeletehttp://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
I have been learning to consider my actions, and what my actions are saying to others.
I think Someone is trying to tell me something
ReplyDeleteMy catechism class learns in Genesis that a person is a unity of body and soul,a single being which is continuous in both the physical and spiritual worlds.
ReplyDeleteBy assessing your own actions you may also assess the state of your soul.
St Francis' quote says a lot in a few words. Need to ponder. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBy their fruits you shall know them...
ReplyDeleteAnd I guess that applies to us too! What fruit am I producing?
This is a great question - really good for an examination of conscience.
ReplyDelete