In the end, however, what was said is irrelevant. What they did is what matters. Both acted, but only one acted anything like a child of God!

The Scriptures today challenge us to take an honest look at ourselves. Sunday after Sunday, we profess our faith. We sing our praises to God. We say "amen" to the Eucharist before receiving it. We verbally express our outrage at injustice and voice our concern for victims of crime and disasters. But it is the separation of the faith we profess and the life we live that is the bane of true religion. The gap between profession and life exists in all of us to some degree. However, failing to achieve the perfection of love in this life must never be because we have failed to strive for such perfection.

The scriptures are clear and unequivocal: Turn away from sin; do what is right and just; repent of selfish ways; obey the Lord's commands; adopt the attitude of Christ. In the end, we will be judged on what we DO, not what we say. Check your life before you profess your faith lest you be known for everything- except for being a child of God!