GOODNESS OF A PERSON IS SEEN IN HIS ACTIONS
First Reading: Ecclesisticus 27: 4 to 7
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 54 to 58
Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 39 to 45
*First reading is from the book of Ecclesisticus. Three picturesque comparisons are given. 1. A person's faults appear when he/she speaks. 2. A person's quality is seen in his/her conversation. 3. A person's speech discloses the cultivation of his/her mind. These comparisons graphically explain to us that a person's speech reveals what kind of person he/she is.
*Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul elaborates to the Christian community at Corinth and to us that the power of death is once and for all destroyed by Christ: By His victory over sin and death. If we persevere in doing the Lord's work, we need not fear death. When we die, we leave the body (the perishable body), and then we will share in the immortality ( the imperishable body) of Christ the Lord.
A tree is known by its fruit Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus instructs His disciples and us through a series of short parables/sayings. Jesus reminds us how often we look at the mistakes and wrongs of others often ignoring our own mistakes. Many people want to reform the world. Many of them try to reform others instead of reforming themselves. It is a known fact that nothing so blinds us to our own faults as a preoccupation with the faults of others. It has been said that the faults and mistakes which we find most repugnant in the other are precisely the ones that plague our own lives. Today Jesus invites us to have a thorough introspection of ourselves in this regard. 1. A blind man cannot lead a blind man. If such a thing happens, that is, a blind man leads another blind man, the consequences can be disastrous and tragic. So we must be able to see clearly before correcting others or leading others. 2. A disciple is not above his/her teacher. So also, a disciple should not think or act in a way that goes against the one who teaches. 3. Do not look for the speck in your brother's eye when you have a log in your eye. Hence, finding fault with another person when we are also at fault is hypocrisy. 4. No good tree produces bad fruit. And no bad tree produces good fruit. A tree is known by the fruit it produces. So is also the case with a person. 5. Finally Jesus says that a good man produces good out of his good heart. Similarly, an evil man produces evil out of his heart. Thus Jesus instructs us that any goodness has to come from a person's heart. These sayings of Jesus explain to us the reality that good and evil are the product of a person's heart. There is no point in blaming others for it. Thus today Jesus invites us to strive to become good persons with a goodness that is real and authentic. It means that we have to put on the mind of Christ: denouncing hypocrisy in the name of truth; crying out for justice in the face of oppression; challenging indifference in the midst of complacency. It means that we have to feel with the Lord's heart: reaching out to the downtrodden, forgiving the wayward; sharing with the poor. It means that we have to pray the way Jesus did: praising the Heavenly Father for His goodness and love; thanking Him for His numerous gifts; trusting in Him for His constant help and protection. As we become good people in the image of Christ, we become more transparent, genuine and joyful in our lives. In this context, an ancient proverb says: "Never criticize your neighbour until you have walked for a mile with him." Thoreau says: "The fault-finders will find faults even in paradise." May the Lord Jesus who sees the hearts of everyone bless you that you may be like a good tree producing good fruits and be a blessing for everyone. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, March 2, 2025." Thanks.)
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