Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Yr C
Today we conclude Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Plain’, that was divided up into three parts. The beatitudes and woes, commands on love and mercy, and the teaching on the two ways. Now, Jesus is setting before his listeners the choice of two ways, either follow him as a teacher, or follow all the rest.
The gospel gives us an image of the splinter in our brother’s eye and the log in our own. This teaches us the lesson about not judging others of their faults and failings. It drawers to our attention, a number of practical points, on how to live out good and holy Christian lives. Following Jesus is a serious occupation and leaves no room for comfortable complacency. Our words and conversations we use each day, are a true reflection of our own spiritual health. When we open our lips, we should be intent on praising God and refraining from being hurtful towards our neighbour.
As you know, this is easier said that done. Many of us, maybe even all of us, including myself, like to listen in and contribute in a good gossip story about someone we know. Our ears pick up, as we try to memorise every little detail, encase we need to re-tell the story to somebody else.
Deep down we know it to be wrong and sinful, but strangely it hardly gets mentioned in Confession.
We are also being asked to forgive the faults of others who have sinned against us. We say the words in the ‘Our Father’ all the time, ‘Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ But how many people still hold grudges against people especially family members, or unwilling to let go of arguments they have had in past years, maybe even 5, 10, or 50 years ago. I am sure many people hold onto these grudges until the day they died. So, sad that no one had the courage or the strength to say ‘sorry, I forgive you’, before it was too late. I guess the words ‘sorry & forgive’, are probably two of the hardest words to meaningfully say, that comes straight from the heart.
Socrates the Philosopher, once said, that nature has given us two ears, two eyes and only one tongue, so that we should hear more than we can speak, and if we cannot say something good about another person, then it is better to remain silent.
It is lovely when occasionally we meet someone and have a great conversation, who isn’t interested in gossip, but only speaks positively about someone and their good habits.
In the Old Testament it teachings, that we should do what God has commanded us. In the New Testament Jesus says: ‘Do what I command’. The Teaching of the Church is always through the authority of Jesus Christ himself.
The focus on Jesus’ teachings in these last concluding verses of the Gospel passage, reminds us that the ‘Sermon on the Plain’, is more than, a collection of moral teachings. It involves a way of discipleship in obedience to a divine teacher, allowing us to imitate and become more like him.
The lesson today is showing us how dangerous it is to pass judgement towards others. Throughout Jesus’ ministry he used words to heal, restore and to bring back life, joy and hope to the faithful people. Our striving to imitate the Lord and produce good fruits is seriously hampered when we allow ourselves to be judgemental, since it takes away control, moving us away from the Lord.
As Christians we need to understand, that it is only through God’s grace and love, that we can overcome our shortcomings in this area of weakness.
As we approach Lent, may we find time to ponder and reflect on opportunities to ‘do extra’ or maybe ‘to give things up’.
If you find that gossiping or being judgemental towards others is controlling your life, then cut it out, as we continue to aim high, being good and worthy disciples in the Lord’s eyes, through acts of penance, fasting and almsgiving in this approaching Lenten season.
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