[Sirach 27.4-7; Psalm 92; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45]

This time last week I was with my wife Pam in Rome alongside 4000 other deacons and some of their wives. In all it was estimated that there were 6000 extra visitors to Rome for the Jubilee celebrations for deacons. It was our first time in Rome, and we were taken aback by the contrasts. There are many places of splendour and there are many signs of poverty too. It is probably easier to notice these contrasts in a place like Rome where the splendour of the Church is so evident. As we hear Jesus ask us in our Gospel today – ‘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?’ We have to accept that these same contrasts are only too evident in our own towns in the UK; with many people apparently living wealthy lifestyles whilst others have to decide between staying warm or feeding their family.

Our Scripture readings today again call us to be active in our faith. In the first reading from the Book of Sirach, we are advised to look behind the façade of how a person presents themselves. This reading placed into the Lectionary to compliment the Gospel reading on discerning people by their fruits. It is all very well expressing sympathy for people who are in need, but unless our sympathy is transformed by our actions then our words are hollow and a waste of breath.

Likewise in the psalm used today we read that those who give thanks to the Lord through their words and actions will flourish like the palm tree; still bearing fruit when they are old. This reminds me of one of the teams I have recently joined at the foodbank where two of the volunteers are 85 and 86 years of age. These people, still giving to their community, living out their faith by deeds as well as their words.

In the second reading St Paul tells us that faithful followers of Christ should not fear death. For St Paul, death is a triumph which he awaited eagerly; as he would be fully united with Christ, sharing in Christ’s victory. He urges his readers to continue working for Christ, staying true to the faith, knowing that our work is not in vain. This is encouragement for the days when it is difficult to motivate ourselves to go out and share our faith in Christ, through our actions.

The parable used in the Gospel reminds me of the times when some of the little things Pam does annoy me. For example, if we are in a conversation and I think it is finished and go to walk to another part of the house, Pam will sometimes continue the conversation, much to my annoyance. I will criticise her for speaking to me while I am in another room and can’t hear her properly. Inevitably, ten minutes later I find myself calling out to Pam from somewhere else in the house, doing the exact same thing which annoyed me earlier. But somehow, I think this is okay, but when Pam does it, I criticise her. Jesus asks us to apply the same standard in judging ourselves as we do to other people. He also warns us that if we are to receive favourable judgement from Him, then we must absorb the Word of God allowing it to bear fruit in how we interact with other people. The Word of God is good, we are to fill our hearts with this goodness and allow this goodness to overflow in our lives.

Further Reading

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CCC 2563: the heart is the home of truth
CCC 1755-1756: good acts and evil acts
CCC 1783-1794: forming conscience and decision-making
CCC 2690: spiritual direction
CCC 1009-1013: Christian view of death

Please keep in your prayers this week

  • The sick and housebound, those who are dying and those who are grieving.
  • Father Jean-Patrice that he makes a full recovery.
  • The continued fight to protect all life from conception until natural death.
  • The rough sleepers of our town, now that the Winter Night Shelter has closed.
  • Fr John Chadwick, who is ill at this time.
  • Calypso and Ozias who will be baptised this weekend at St Bede’s.

Deacon Tony, 1st March 2025