Eccl 27:5-8; Ps 91 (92); 1 Cor 15:54-58; Lk 6:39-45
Authentic Self
Dear friends, today is the eighth Sunday of Ordinary time. This coming Wednesday we will begin the Lenten season. The Lenten season is a time to relive the sufferings and death of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered and died so that whoever believes in him might inherit the kingdom of God. He is the authentic messiah who speaks to us the words of eternal life.
Today’s first reading reminds us that our inner person is revealed through speech. This means that when we speak, we say words consistent with our thinking. The mouth is the gateway for a person’s mind. If you listen keenly to a person, it is easy to know how he or she interprets the reality and how he or she feels about it. Some people have mastered the art of deceit through speech, but if you listen to them very carefully you will discern their true feelings. I saw on the back of a truck the phrase, “Their hatred is hidden in their jokes, listen keenly and you will notice”.
How we interpret reality is determined by several factors, including our cultural values, the type and level of education we have, our neighbourhood, the kind of friends we hang around, our belief systems, our state of mind, and ultimately what we feel about ourselves and the world around us. This is why the author of Ecclesiasticus urges us, “Do not praise a man before he has spoken, since this is the test of men”. Some people live on deceiving others, are you one of them?
Many politicians promise their electorate heaven on earth during the campaign period only to forget entirely about them once they get into positions. Others spend the entire campaign time not selling their manifesto but defaming their opponents to discredit them. The electorate is left to choose between which one has the biggest and the dirtiest mouth and not the best agenda. Consequently, they will never know what agenda they voted for, and their situation remains as it was in the beginning, it’s now and ever shall be, world without end amen.
St. Paul is reminding us that one day, our perishable and immortal nature will be replaced by the imperishable and immortal one. Death will no longer haunt us, nor sin pursue us because in Christ Jesus, God has given us victory over them. Therefore, no matter how difficult the situation you may be in now, never give in or admit defeat, only remain faithful to him who will never disappoint you.
Jesus reminds us today that a blind man cannot guide another blind man, lest they both fall into the pit. A leader who is not enlightened can never lead his people to development. This is unfortunately what keeps on repeating itself in our communities. We keep on electing blind people as our leaders and then complain that things are not getting better. In many cases, the yardstick used to elect leaders is not their integrity or track record but status, fame, bribery, deceit, tribalism, among others. We hail and applaud candidates who insult and spread lies about their competitors the most. After the elections, the electorate is not able to hold their leaders to account because they do not even know what agenda they elected them for in the first place. If you are a leader, you have a responsibility to constantly seek enlightenment, otherwise, you will be leading people astray, thinking that you know it all.
We are good at seeing the faults of others but remain blind to our own. The big plank in our eyes we do not see, but the splinter in the eye of the other we see from far – hypocrites. Many do not like to admit their own faults or try to rectify them, nevertheless, we spend our entire lifetime and energy trying to justify what is wrong and evil instead of rectifying them, because we do not want to look bad or weak. Admitting mistakes is never a sign of weakness but a sign of bravery. Do you admit your mistakes easily? You need a lot of energy and resources to spread falsehood, but the truth speaks for itself. Whatever is built on falsehood, be it culture, religion, status, relationships, etc., will one day fall apart. Are you living in falsehood?
Every tree is known for its fruit. It is difficult to tell if a tree has good fruits or not until it starts bearing. Do not jump into a conclusion before you see what a man or woman can do, especially in dire situations. Test a man or a woman before you put your trust in them. The measure of a person’s goodness or badness is how he or she treat others despite how they treat him or her.
The spoken word can be either a powerful tool for positive change, or a weapon of mass destruction. They say from our deepest thoughts comes the words through the mouth. When we speak without contemplating the impact of our words, we pose a great danger to the environment.
Dear friends, the world is the way it is not because of any other created being but human beings. Do you take time to introspect before you judge others? Are the words you utter every day helping to build or destroy others? Are you a rumour monger who wrecks friendships, marriages, families, and communities, or are you a peace maker whose words bring reconciliation? Repent and change your ways.
Have a blessed Sunday
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 