We are encouraged to take a hard look at what our lives reveal about us
Reflections on the readings for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 27, 2022): Sirach 27:4-7; PS 92:2-3,13-14,15-16; 1 COR 15:54-58; LK 6:39-45
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Focusing on God first will show itself over the course of our lives, even when we sometimes fail.
In the readings for this Sunday, we are told to make an ongoing effort to be the dedicated people God wants us to be. When we do, we ultimately demonstrate our faith and reveal what is in the depths of our hearts and souls by what we say and achieve. In the Old Testament we learn: “As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace, so in tribulation is the test of the just. The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind. Praise no one before he speaks, for it is then that people are tested” (Sirach 27:5-7). We all have to endure trial in our lives. If the result is that we draw closer to God, more appreciative of His mercy, and zealous in sharing His love, especially those in need, we prove ourselves to be His loyal children. Our daily actions and ordinary conversations are expressions of our mind, our spirit. Over time, we will show ourselves to be people of integrity or hypocrites, people of generosity or selfishness.
If we make a sincere effort to be the persons the Lord created us to be, we will communicate our compassion for others in a desire to serve Him by helping our brothers and sisters whenever and wherever we are called. Focusing on God first will show itself over the course of our lives, even when we sometimes fail. If we recognize our sins, confess them, and try again, we will always be forgiven. Christ taught us that He does not expect us to be perfect -- He expects us to love. By choosing love over hate, anger, greed or any other temptation or form of self-centeredness, He will always show us the way. We are not alone and never will be. Besides, the victory is already ours because Christ won it for us and for all who choose to follow Him -- day by day by day.
Suggested missionary action: We can resolve to make a regular examination of conscience. Perhaps, at bedtime, or during a few quiet minutes during the day, we can think about what we have done, and what we have chosen not to do -- for better or worse. And let us entrust everything to our Savior.