LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Ecclesiasticus 27:4-7
Responsorial psalm: Ps 91(92):2-3, 13-16
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Gospel: Luke 6:39-45
Link to readings
The readings for today (the final Sunday before Lent) remind us how words and actions illustrate what lies in the heart of each person. The First Reading speaks of the true test of a person being what they say, and thus the importance of listening carefully to others. We also need to be conscious of our own choice of words.
The Psalm celebrates the joy of offering thanks to the Lord for the goodness he brings to those who follow his ways. In similar vein, St Paul (Second Reading) encourages the early Christian community in Corinth to persevere in serving the Lord. Paul reminds them – and us – that following the example of Jesus will never be in vain.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus using striking visual images to illustrate his teaching. First, he warns us of the dangers of following others blindly, and then speaks of the danger of judging others while not acknowledging our own failings.
Three of our four readings this week speak of the care and conditions that trees need in order to produce sound fruit. So, as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we pray that we may be ever mindful of the impact our ways of living can have on the natural environment. We pray that we will make good choices to protect God’s creation.
FIRST READING
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 27: 4–7
When a sieve is shaken, the refuse appears; so a person’s filth in their thoughts. The kiln tests the potter’s vessels; likewise the test of a person is in their reasoning. The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so the expression of a thought discloses the cultivation of a person’s mind.
Do not praise someone before you hear them reason, for this is the test of people.
REFLECTION
As I come to my prayer, I take all the time I need to settle in whatever way works best for me. I breathe in deeply the love God has for me, and set down at God’s feet any burdens I am carrying: worries, anxieties, distractions. I let myself become increasingly aware of the peace of God’s presence, gently enveloping me. I remain in the stillness until I feel ready to move on.
I read through the text once, slowly. Perhaps I then read it again, but this time pausing for a few moments at the end of each phrase to pay attention to anything that particularly draws me. I may want to re-read the phrase aloud several times, listening for what the Lord might want me to hear.
Perhaps these words also bring to mind particular images? I pause gently to explore the message of what the Lord wants me to see. When I am ready, I might like to consider what my own conversations with others might reveal about me and my thinking: my beliefs . . . my values . . . my desire for the Lord to deepen his life in me. I ponder.
Perhaps there are aspects of myself that I try to hide? Am I always true to myself? How consistent am I in what I think, and say, and do? What might the Lord want to show me about myself? I may like to speak to him of my sorrow and regret for my shortcomings, knowing that I can be sure of his mercy and forgiveness.
As my time of prayer comes to an end, perhaps I read the passage a final time and recall, with joy, those times when something I said helped someone else, or made a positive difference. In my own words, I thank the Lord for the gift of the Spirit that guided me then, and ask that the same Spirit remain close to me always.
GOSPEL
Luke 6: 39–45
At that time: Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above their teacher, but everyone when they are fully trained will be like their teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
‘For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of their heart produces good, and the evil person out of their evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart their mouth speaks.’
REFLECTION
I settle in my chosen place of prayer and let myself become still. In the quiet of this moment, I feel God’s loving gaze, and let his presence enfold me. When I feel ready, I turn to the text, and read through it a number of times. I might then like to set it aside and place myself in the scene.
What do I notice about Jesus as he speaks? What reaction do his words and vivid examples create in his followers . . . and in me? What do the disciples say to each other as they try to make sense of this teaching? What do I want to say to them? Perhaps I’m amused by Jesus’s playfulness ... or perplexed ... or intrigued …? Perhaps I’m not really sure how I feel about his words . . . or maybe it’s perfectly clear to me, and the messages strike home deeply? I ponder.
What is the speck – or log – that I fail to see in myself? Perhaps I’m far more likely to see faults in others, and yet am unwilling to address my own issues …? I speak to the Lord from my heart, expressing any sorrow or regret that has surfaced, confident that he will show me his mercy and forgiveness.
I may like to end my prayer with gratitude, asking for the grace to see Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly.
Courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach, Diocese of Wrexham