Clever teaching about the choice

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present two techniques for spreading the Good News. The author of the second letter of Timothy recalls the virtues shown by Paul, intentionality, faith, patience, love and steadfastness and the example of the suffering and persecution experienced by Paul. This life example is to be modeled and expected by the disciples of Jesus. Friar Jude Winkler picks up the theme of the two choices in Scripture, life as the consequence of following the direction of the Divine and death which comes from rejection of the Divine invitation. The use of Scripture, mentioned at the close of this passage, is an inspired way to teach, correct, reproof and train in righteousness. In the episode from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus attracts attention by the clever use of the texts in the Psalms to address the questions of His critics in the Temple. Friar Jude comments that the virtue of cleverness was much more respected in Jesus time and place than now. It gathered people in and presented the life and experience of the one so gifted as worthy of consideration. The example of Life in relationship with God and the Sacred Texts offer paths to deeper intimacy with the Divine. Is talking about the choice as effective as living it?