february 22, 2021 (monday in the first week of lent)

For today's readings, click HERE.

by Chad O'Leary

Today's entry didn't quite arrive in time for time for posting and, as it turns out, it was a bit of a Holy Spirit experience -- as I was working through a little somethin' somethin' See, yesterday morning, I was at the grocery store picking up some supplies to make my mom's killer lasagna. For some reason (yes, this is a chronic problem) I never have tomato paste but always assume that I do. My best friend died of COVID-19 complications in October and I have been preparing meals and spending time with his widow and young children on Sundays. As I was standing in line to check out (too annoyed with the self check machines telling me that there is an unexpected item in the bagging area), I overheard a fellow customer talking with his partner about how great it was to be back in church again. He had missed the ritual, the sermon (even though it was probably 5-7 minutes too long), and see his friends. Unfortunately, everything took a horrible turn right after that. 

The cashier greeted the customer and he ignored her. Then he commented about how dirty her belt was (it wasn't dirty, it was old) and when she accidentally rang an item twice (and was in the process of fixing her error), this individual went on to belittle and demean her as being ill-trained. He threw down cash at her and ignored her again when we she thanked him and apologized. 

It felt all wrong.

Sadly, we have all been this guy before to varying degrees. Today's readings are a stark reminder that we are called to let our actions show that we are members of The Way. Today's readings remind us that being a follower of Christ is beyond any "personal relationship" with God. Any personal relationship must be transformational on our part and transcend into our interactions with others.  

​So, who can I show that I am Christian through my actions -- not just my words -- today?