Rector’s Reflections

October 11, 2026

Dear People of God,                       

We have all heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” One of my favorite lines from St. Francis of Assisi is: “Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.”  Words are very important, but words can ring hollow if our actions do not “put on Christ.”

 I share a powerful story with you…Read it and pass it on…

The Deacon and the Boy

 His name is Scott. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but aren’t sure how to go about it. 

One day Scott decides to go there. He walks in barefoot, in jeans, a T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started, and so Scott starts down the aisle looking for somewhere to sit, but the church is completely packed, and he can’t find a seat. 

By now, people are looking pretty uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Scott gets closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister sees that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Scott. A holy man, very elegant, very dignified, and very courtly. He walks with a cane and starts toward the boy; everyone thinks you can’t blame him for what he’s going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man’s cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can’t even hear anyone breathing. The minister can’t preach until the deacon does what he has to do. Now they see the older man drop his cane to the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself, sits down next to Scott, and worships with him so he won’t be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion.

When the minister gains control, he says, “What I’m about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.”

We need to always “put on Christ” both in word and action. Children especially are cognizant of our actions. Young children have a profound gift for sensing whether people are genuine or not truly “speaking from the heart.” At the same time, Henri Nouwen succinctly expresses in the following words:

“Our participation in the inner life of God leads us to a new way of participation in each other’s lives…This new body is a spiritual body, fashioned by the Spirit of love. It manifests itself in very concrete ways: in forgiveness, reconciliation, mutual support, outreach to people in need, solidarity with all who suffer, and in ever-increasing concern for justice and peace. Thus, communion not only creates community, but community always leads to mission.”

Marvelous words to live by each day. May we always be Christ to each other and, by receiving Holy Communion, become Eucharist to our sisters and brothers.

On the journey with you,

Fr. Greg