Eighth Sunday in ordinary time

EIGHTH SUNDAY: SIRACH 27. 4-7; 1 COR 15. 54-58; LUKE 6. 39-45

Focus: The life of a follower of Christ is a life that has to be different from the life of the world. It is a difference in the quality of character and way of living

1.      Today’s word of God places before us a number of contrast pairs. Thereby, we are directed on how to live a life worthy of a disciple. These contrast pairs are perishable – imperishable, mortal – immortal, death – life, defeat – victory, blindness - sight, log – speck, bad tree – good tree, bad fruit – good fruit, evil person – good person. The message is simple and straight: Follow the positive and right set of contrasts and you will live well and gain victory and reward.

2.      First, Focus on the imperishable: We are destined for the imperishable. Therefore, amidst all the perishable that surrounds and deviates us, we need to keep our focus on the imperishable. We should always be clear and not confused, wisely discerning and not unwisely messing up, well-oriented and not disoriented. In a world that is transient, all that belongs to the earth is perishable. Only God and His grace manifested in fidelity and goodness are imperishable.

3.      Be steered by immortality: While the contrast pair, perishable –imperishable may refer in general to the earth and world, the contrast pair mortal – immortal refers specifically to our human reality. As humans, we are mortal. This body is subject to death and decay. But we are destined for immortality. This reminds us of our immortal spiritual existence. It is not a dichotomy between the mortal body and the immortal soul. Rather, it is a call to make a harmonious blend. It is a blend where the spiritual sublimates, regulates, and dignifies the merely physical. We are “spiritual” and meant for immortality.

4.      Strive for victory and life: With our focus on the imperishable and immortal, we fight against all forces of death. We shall be determined to defeat the enemy and gain victory. The enemy is strong. The forces of death show up without pause in the forms of hatred, aggression, and violence. But nothing shall obstruct our march for life in eternity!

5.      Purify and magnify your perspective: God detests a judgmental attitude but blesses the understanding and empathetic. Many suffer from double standards, one for oneself and the other, for the other. They are so eager to accuse others of the speck in their eye, while they ignore the big log in their own eye.

6.      Bear good and share good: We are called to be good persons and not evil. This implies that we grow as good trees that bear good fruits, and not the bad trees that bear bad fruits. A good tree must bear good fruit!

7.      Be clear-sighted guides! We are called to guide others in the Lord’s way. But for this, first of all, we must ourselves know the way, see the way, and walk the way. Otherwise, we will be like guides who guide the other blind people.

Direction: Faithfulness and fruitfulness make us worthy disciples. And these are the ways to become like the master, to resemble him. One who does not follow the master, cannot resemble him!