Daily Readings - Sun Feb 27 2022
1 Corinthians
54When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."55"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Luke
39He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.41Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.43"For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,44for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.45The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the connection between our inner lives and our outward actions. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that a person’s character is revealed through trials and tribulations, much like a tree’s fruit reveals its health. The author emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and living with integrity, for it is through such virtues that we are tested and proven true. This wisdom literature calls us to self-examination, urging us to consider whether our actions align with the values we profess.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians shifts our focus to the ultimate victory of Christ over death. St. Paul writes that through Jesus, death has lost its power, and sin no longer holds sway over us. This passage is a declaration of hope and perseverance, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our faith despite life’s challenges. The reading reminds us that our labor for the Lord is never in vain, for we are assured of eternal life through Christ’s triumph.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus teaching about the importance of self-reflection and humility. Jesus uses the parable of the blind leading the blind and the image of a log in one’s own eye to highlight the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own flaws. He emphasizes that our words and actions flow from the abundance of our hearts. A good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. This teaching challenges us to examine our own lives before attempting to correct others, for true change begins within.
These readings together remind us that our faith is not just about outward actions but about the inner transformation that guides them. We are called to live with integrity, to trust in God’s plan, and to approach others with humility and self-awareness. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects the good fruit of a heart transformed by Christ? Do we approach life’s challenges with the confidence of God’s victory? And are we willing to remove the logs from our own eyes before trying to help others? May we strive to be good trees, bearing fruit that reflects the love and mercy of God.