EIGHTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR C

EIGHTH SUNDAY: 02 MARCH 2025: 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 must be different from the life of the world. It is a difference in the quality of character and in the way of living. Today’s Word of God presents us with a series of contrast pairs. In this way, 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, trunk – grain, bad tree – good tree, bad fruit – good fruit, evil person – good person. The message is simple and direct: follow the positive and correct set of contrasts and you will live well and obtain victory and reward. First, focus on the imperishable: We are destined for the imperishable. Therefore, amidst all the perishable that surrounds and misleads us, we must keep our attention on the imperishable. We must always be clear and not confused, discerning wisely and not erring recklessly, well-oriented and not disoriented. In a transitory world, everything that belongs to the earth is perishable. Only God and His grace manifested in faithfulness and goodness are imperishable. Be guided by immortality: While the contrasting pair, perishable - imperishable can refer to the earth and the world in general, the contrasting pair mortal - immortal refers specifically to our human reality. As human beings, 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 an invitation to create a harmonious blend. It is a blend in which the spiritual sublimates, regulates and ennobles the merely physical. We are "spiritual" and destined for immortality. Strive for Victory and Life: Focusing on the imperishable and immortal, we fight against all the forces of death. We will be determined to defeat the enemy and achieve victory. The enemy is strong. The forces of death manifest themselves relentlessly in the forms of hatred, aggression and violence. But nothing will hinder our march for life in eternity! Purify and magnify your perspective: God hates judgment but blesses understanding and empathy. Many suffer from double standards, one for themselves and one for others. They are so eager to blame others for the dot in their eye, while ignoring the big log in their own eye. Be good and share good: We are called to be good people and not bad. This implies that we grow as good trees that bear good fruit and not bad trees that bear bad fruit. A good tree must bear good fruit! Be a discerning guide! We are called to lead others in the way of the Lord. But for this, first of all, we must know the way ourselves, see the way and walk the way. Otherwise we will be like guides who lead the blind. Direction: Faithfulness and fruitfulness make us worthy disciples. And these are the ways to become like the master, to resemble him. He who does not follow the master, cannot resemble him!