FranciscanMedia.org | Sharing the Word | Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

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Sharing the Word is a daily 90-second radio homily by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, based on the weekday Mass readings. Sharing the Word is a companion to the Sunday Soundbite,and is also heard on Catholic radio stations around the country.

Program for Saturday, August 25, 2012 (Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time)
True religion involves real faith and fitting practice, consistent with our faith.

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Sharing the Word Archive

Today's Reading

Matt. 23:1-12

Much of the teaching of the Jewish religious leaders was sound, at least insofar as it showed zeal for God and the Scriptures, but their practice was not in accord with what they taught.

Our prayers and religious practices must be consistent with the beliefs that we say we hold. They must not be merely external observances. Personal prayer, Mass attendance, reciting the rosary, the practice of charity toward those in need has to be focused, attentive, sincere. It has to be based on real commitment. Practice without faith conviction is useless.

But at the same time, belief without appropriate practice is meaningless.

True religion involves real faith and fitting practice, consistent with our faith.

How authentic is my faith? How consistent is my practice?

Meet Archbishop Pilarczyk

Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, the eighth ordinary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a nationally prominent churchman, educator and author. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he was ordained a priest on December 20, 1959, after studies in Rome. He was ordained bishop in 1974 and installed as Archbishop of Cincinnati in 1982, where he served until his retirement in 2009. In addition to a doctorate in sacred theology from Pontifical Urban University, he holds an M.A. in classics from Xavier University in Cincinnati and a Ph.D. in classics from the University of Cincinnati. He has written more than a dozen popular books and many pamphlets and articles. His best-selling book is Twelve Tough Issues – And More. His most recent books are When God Speaks and Live Letters. The archbishop’s service to the American church includes terms as vice president (1986-1989) and president (1989-1992) of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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