Reflection - Actions/Words

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042219.cfm
Acts 2:14, 22-33
Matthew 28:8-15

Actions speak louder than words. Or so the saying goes.

In the book of Exodus we read that God hears the cry of his people and that he is going to do something about it. In the events that follow he summons Moses to be his agent in confronting Pharaoh with God’s requirements. Pharaoh is not cooperative; and it becomes necessary to force an understanding of who he is dealing with. But, even after freedom is achieved, God is not done. In his actions which follow their exodus from their oppression he continues to do what is necessary to alleviate the cry of his people. He provides guidance with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He opens an escape passage through the Reed Sea. He feeds his people with manna when they have no food and provides water from the rock when none is available. You would think that God is serious. Actions speak louder than words.

Toward the conclusion of these remarkable and divine provisions there is another incident which is probably not nearly as well known as it should be. It occurs when the people are in the midst of their travels and have arrived at a mountain called Sinai. After a journey up Mt. Sinai, Moses returns from the peak, Commandments in hand. Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient." (Exodus 24:7)

The Plagues, the pillar of fire, the pillar of cloud, the crossing through the sea, the manna, the water from the rock — all these had taken place within a mere ten short chapters of the book of Exodus. Moses’ presentation of the Commandments to the people and their acceptance of the proposed Covenant with God all takes place in chapter twenty-four. Just eight chapters later these same people are making a golden calf.

Actions speak louder than words.

In the weeks of lent, and especially in remembering the events of Holy Week, there is a tight, even overwhelming, focus on actions. The season begins with actions. Ashes, a reminder of our fragility and our terminal condition initiate the season with a somber admonition. “Remember man, thou art dust, and unto dust you shall return.” We may even anticipate the time with serious consideration of our own activity: what will I give up or what will I do to appropriately engage in this penitential period. The church encourages our introspection with themes of contrition, sorrow and repentance. The priest dons vestments of purple and music takes on a plaintive cry.

As the season approaches the moment of climax our liturgical expression assumes polar positions as we wave palm branches and then exclaim “crucify him” during the presentation of the passion. And finally our focus shifts to actions, those of Jesus and of others during Holy Week.

• The action of agonizing prayer.
• The action of betrayal.
• The action of false accusations in a kangaroo court.
• Scourging, mocking, crowning, falling, nailing, piercing, dying.

We remember these actions in detail, focusing on the intensity of pain and the depth of suffering. But what are the words?

This reflection actually began on Holy Thursday as we gathered with our parish community to once more “Do this in memory of me.” As my thoughts perused the events yet to come over the next twenty-four hours it crossed my mind that, surely, there must have been a better way. Would not some other actions have sufficed. Yet, if God in his infinite wisdom had determined that nothing else could adequately express the words he would have us hear, then my second-guessing was no more than a waste of time. Think about it. If you can offer an alternative, please let me know. In the meantime, my meditations will dwell on Jesus’ passion and death only to the extent that they confirm his words: I love you!

Actions speak, reinforce, confirm but the words, illuminated by act, are what matter.