Imagine you were given two pieces of paper.

On the first piece of paper, you were asked to write some memorable things that Jesus said during his ministry. You could not consult a Bible or any online resource; you simply had to rely on what you remember Jesus saying. Pause for a moment and think about what you might write down.

Then on the second sheet of paper, you were asked to jot down some remarkable things that Jesus did during his three years of ministry. Again, you had to depend solely on your memory. Pause for a moment and consider what you might write down.

On the first sheet of paper, you might include the following words of Jesus:

• I am the way, the truth, and the life. 
• Come, follow me.
• This is my Body. This is my Blood.
• Love one another as I have loved you.
• I am the good shepherd.
• Blessed are the peacemakers.
• Father, forgive them.

On the second sheet of paper, you might list some of the following things done by Jesus:

• Jesus changed water into wine.
• He cured people with leprosy.
• He made the deaf hear, the blind see, and cripples walk.
• He forgave sinners and cast out demons.
• He fed a crowd of thousands.
• He drove money changers from the Temple.
• He calmed a storm on the sea.
• He walked on water.
• He raised the dead.

Most of us would probably find it easier to list the things that Jesus did, than what he said. In fact, we might even ask for another sheet of paper to list his actions. That’s not surprising for as it’s said, actions speak louder than words.

You and I cannot speak as eloquently and wonderfully as Jesus. Most of the words we say will not be remembered or recorded like the words of Jesus. However, we can act in ways that will be remembered as were the actions of Jesus.

For example, in this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21), we hear of Jesus feeding a crowd of over 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. That action of Jesus obviously made a great impression. It was recorded by the four Gospel writers, and it still amazes us today.

In acting as he did, Jesus not only demonstrated his power, but he also showed his care, compassion, and concern for the men, women, and children who had come to be with him.

Like Jesus, we too can feed the hungry, not by miraculously multiplying loaves and fish, but by donating to charitable organizations that supply food to the hungry, by volunteering at a soup kitchen, by bringing meals to homebound neighbors, and by promoting programs that seek to eliminate hunger.

Like Jesus, we can show concern for the sick, the hurting, and those with physical or mental challenges. We can visit and pray with them, shop for them and assist them in caring for their homes and patiently listen to their stories.

Like Jesus, we can help to calm the “storms” that are buffeting our world and our society by treating all people with dignity and respect and by advocating for justice and peace.

If a person was given a piece of paper and told to write down memorable things we have said, that person might find it a challenge. But if we are striving to live as faithful followers of Christ, that person would certainly be able to write down some good things we have done.

Remember, the good we do is more remembered than the words we say. That is true even when it comes to the words and actions of Jesus.

© 2026 Rev. Thomas Iwanowski