8th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
We are always reminded as Christians of the need to be examples of Christ in the world today. The Scriptures we read at Mass even re-emphasizes different virtues as well as characteristics required in coming closer to God and necessary in helping us grow in our spiritual life. In today gospel reading, Luke 6:39-42, Jesus uses three parables in pointing out to us some essential qualities required for becoming his disciple.
Jesus in the first parable said "can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher." In this parable, Jesus tells us that to be his disciples, we have to be knowledgeable about our faith, so as to lead others in the right path. We also have to be enlightened about our teachings and doctrines, so as to know what to teach others. And we have to be experienced in proclaiming and living out the gospel in our everyday life, so as to be trustworthy and credible.
In the second parable, Jesus said "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,' when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your own eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye." Here Jesus reminds us that a true disciple has to be caring, by reaching out to those in need of God, showing them who God is and sharing God with them in word and deed. Also, we are reminded that a true disciple should show compassion to others, by being considerate, patient and understanding with others as we journey along with them in coming closer to God.
In the last parable, Jesus stated "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks." Here Jesus emphasizes that being his disciple entails being a role model of his to others by demonstrating the appropriate examples, behaviors, and lifestyle always, which means we have to be competent in being Christ to theres.
Hence my brothers and sisters, let us pray that we will answer our call to discipleship promptly, effectively and efficiently by being knowledgeable about, enlightened and experienced in our faith; by being caring and compassionate to others; and lastly, by being role models and examples of Christ to the world. Amen.
