Deacon Matt's Reflection

Sirach 27: 4-7:  This wise passage gives some profound truths on which we can   ponder. The author concludes that, over time and as situations change for a person; his or her speech will reveal that person’s character or “true self.” For example, some people may profess to be very devout and faithful, but you might notice that they don’t speak out with faith and trust in God in times of illness, stress or personal loss. People who speak out in faith, even when they are enduring tough times and tragedy deserve our utmost respect for the “good fruit,” (the powerful Christian witness they are giving to others). This is a good reminder for all of us to pray for prudence in our speech, so that we glorify God and the faith, rather than dishonor it.

Psalm 92: “Lord, it is good to give thanks to You.” On the subject of speech that bears good fruit, we now contemplate this song of thanksgiving and praise to God and proclamation of God’s goodness. The first verse exhorts us to be fruitful and faithful in our speech, day and night; in times of sorrow as well as during times of happiness, good fortune and rejoicing. Those “planted in the Lord’s house” are the people who are rooted in faith and trust in God and they are yielding good fruit. In the final verse, the psalmist observes that those who are faithful and just bear fruit in every season of life; whether the “season” be youth, middle age, old age; or other “seasons,” such as times of poverty, loss and trial as well as times of health, flourishing circumstances and prosperity. We must  stabilize ourselves with faith that transcends our situation.

1 Cor 15:54-58: As inspiring as ever, St. Paul has encouraging and challenging ideas for us to add to our reflection, today. Paul pleads with us in an urgent tone to “be steadfast” in our faith; both in thoughts and outlook as well as in actions: (living out the faith in works of devotion to God and in works of service to God’s people). Every one of us is accountable to use our talents and energy to work for expanding the Kingdom of God. Paul reminds us that if we aspire to “become” or want to “enjoy being” the fruit of a glorified body; we must live our lives so as to be able to accept that gift of salvation. In other words, as said above, we must truly internalize the faith within us, as well as live it out in our prayers, in our speech of witnessing to the faith and via our actions.

Luke 6:39-45: By now, we are all asking how we become “truly faithful and fruitful” in our hearts, souls and actions. Ponder what Jesus says, today: “when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” Ponder that. We’d better be very careful in choosing our teachers! If our “teachers,” our choices of reading material, mentors, advisers and/or spiritual teachers are self-centered or worldly individuals or media, then that’s who we’ll become… short-sighted, worldly people. Conversely, if we choose holy and heavenly and faithful reading material or teachers, our speech and beliefs and actions will reflect their holy sources and will help us to bear good fruit. Before Lent begins, let’s reflect on “whom” our teachers are. Are the media and people we choose as our teachers leading us to Heaven or to Hell? Choose those helping you to bear good fruit.

Ponder and pray!
Deacon Matt