Friends, today we are celebrating the eighth Sunday of ordinary time year C, Our Mother Church continues to remind us of the virtues and qualities that should characterize our lives as Christians. She reminds us that while physical appearance could be deceptive, what determines who we are is what comes from within us. This includes the quality of our words, the wisdom, and the goodness that we manifest. The readings of today offer us deep insights into our words, our hope in Christ, and the importance of humility. Lord, help us to speak with kindness and truth. Give us hope in Christ’s victory over death. Teach us to be humble and see our own faults. Guide us to live faithfully and love others as You love us.
Friends, our first reading of today is a call to be very careful in evaluating people based on their appearances rather than on the wisdom that comes from them. It says; “The test of a man is in his conversation. A man’s word betrays what he feels. Do not praise him before he speaks.” Despite this, it suffices to note that one needs a lot of wisdom to discern the truth in someone’s word. This is true, especially given that many people say beautiful words to please and deceive others while their hearts are far from the truth. Christ says; “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mt 15:8). Sometimes, they also tell us what we want to hear to make us happy for a moment and sad afterward.
Friends, the wisdom, good counsel, and sincerity that come from the word of a Christian are what sets him apart. It makes him; “A man, in whom there is no guile or deceit” (John 1:47). Not only our words but our actions as Christians must edify, improve, and encourage others. Today we must ask ourselves, do my words edify or make any positive difference to others? Does it build or destroy the community? The first reading of today teaches that our words reveal who we are. Good words show a good heart, while bad words reveal inner problems. Our speech can lift others or tear them down. Brothers and sisters, we need to be careful with our words. Speaking kindly and truthfully can show our faith and love for others. Harsh or dishonest words can hurt people and damage our witness as Christians. Our words also impact our relationships. Kind words can build strong friendships and trust. Hurtful words can create distance and conflict. By watching what we say, we can strengthen our bonds with others and show them Christ’s love. Let us strive to speak words that reflect our faith and love for God and others.
Friends, in the second reading, Paul reminds us that Jesus defeated death. This victory gives us hope and courage to stay firm in our faith. Death is not the end; through Christ, we have eternal life. For this reason, we must be of good cheer and never relent in doing good. Christ’s victory must not be in vain. Instead, it must sustain us in good actions as Paul tells us today; “Keep laboring at the Lord’s work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be struggling in vain.” This is a call to perfection in all we say and do. Brothers and sisters, this message is comforting. It assures us that our struggles and pains in this life are temporary. Jesus’ resurrection shows that life continues beyond the grave. We can face challenges with hope, knowing that victory is already won. We are encouraged today to stand firm and give ourselves fully to God’s work. Our efforts are not in vain. Everything we do for God has eternal value. This motivates us to stay committed to our faith and our mission. Living with this hope transforms our daily lives. We can approach each day with joy and purpose. Knowing that Jesus conquered death gives us strength to endure hardships and remain faithful.
Friends, in today’s gospel, Jesus also teaches us that the quality of our heart determines the quality of our words and actions. He says; “A good person, out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, while an evil person, out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” Jesus teaches about humility and self-examination. He tells us to look at our faults before judging others. This practice leads to true humility and helps us grow closer to God. Brothers and sisters, we often judge people based on their appearance, wealth, or status. But what matters is the condition of their hearts. Our conversations reveal our true beliefs and values. What we say shows what is inside us. Our words can impact our relationships deeply. When we speak with love and humility, we build others up. But if we are proud and critical, we can harm relationships. We must be aware of our weaknesses and strive to improve.
Friends, pride blinds us to our faults. We become hypocrites, thinking we are better than others. This pride is a barrier to holiness and prevents us from leading others to Christ. Self-examination helps us recognize our sins and grow in humility. As we prepare ourselves for ‘Lenten season’, let’s focus on removing the beam from our eyes. Let’s strive for humility and seek to improve ourselves before judging others. By doing so, we can follow Christ more closely and help others on their spiritual journey. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Month to You
Pray With Us Online Rosary Every Monday @ 8 pm.
Remember we are pilgrims of Hope!
By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
