https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050221.cfm
I quote:
Children, let us love not in word or speech
but in deed and truth.
end quote
When a child I learnt from my parents that our words matter, when our actions reflect our words.
Here I have often quoted the words of the celebrated Russian author, Leo Tolstoy an aristocrat who ensured that his estate employees participated in the fruits of his good fortune. Count Tolstoy learnt from personal experience socialising with his fellow aristocrats that hypocrisy was an ever present risk for those who publicly subscribed to faith in God, yet failed to assist those who as if by chance entered their orbit seeking assistance.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us
Our Saviour teaches us that the fruits of His friendship with us are revealed when we share our good fortune with those He introduces to us. Sharing can mean much more than money, for sharing our time with people alone, and in need of human company commends our free choice to befriend those in dire need of our good will.
Leo Tolstoy was an idealist emulating the ideals that The Christ expects of us, when inviting us to reflect for a moment on the thought, that we could be that person in need of practical support needing human company.
8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
~ 1 Peter 4
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