Breaking Open the Word
March 2, 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
The first reading, taken from the Book of Sirach, teaches us that what is inside us is revealed through our conversation – as the grain and husks are separated in a farmer’s sieve, as the quality of the shaped clay is revealed in the potter’s fire, and as the size and quality of a tree’s fruit reveal the care it has received from the planter. Sirach’s teaching serves as an excellent preview for today’s Gospel, which reminds us, when we’re feeling judgmental, to think before we speak because what comes out of our mouth reveals our heart.
In the second reading, when Paul called the people of Corinth to affirm their faith in the power of Jesus over death by his resurrection, he challenged them to affirm their freedom from death, from sin, and from the Law, and to exercise that freedom “by being fully engaged in the work of the Lord, instead of divesting themselves of the body and all that it entails. Thus, the faithful will transform their corruptible physical bodies into incorruptible spiritual bodies in their resurrection, and experience immortality. Paul denies the teaching of the Corinthian philosophers that the attainment of the “ideal” existence or salvation from this world can be accomplished in individuals by their own efforts to live “properly.” Paul teaches that the transformation to immortality has been made possible for all only because of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross and his rising alone have accomplished the victory over death. Paul concludes: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The hard work of the Christian life is not in vain, because the Christian is “in the Lord” who has already won the victory.
Gospel Explained
The third and final section of Luke’s Sermon on the Plain begins: And he told them a parable. There are actually four parables, three of which we read today. They are all about how to be a good disciple.
The blind cannot lead the blind. And a disciple cannot be a good disciple unless he or she has learned from the teacher. Everyone who is fully trained is like the teacher who knows how to cure the blind. Before you can be a good disciple and teach others you must take care of yourself. Do not try to take a speck out of your brother’s eye until you have taken the board out of your own. Finally, only when you have purified yourself can you produce the good works that the teacher requires. Discipleship asks us to produce good deeds. But to produce them requires the integrity and purity of heart found in the teacher. When people see your good deeds they will know that this is because you have a good heart.
The final parable, which we do not read today, is about building on the solid foundation of rock and not on sand. This is the only way to face the difficulties a disciple will encounter and survive.
Today's Theme
The blind leading the blind
In order to lead a blind person, one must be sighted; in order to teach, one must be knowledgeable; otherwise, the blind person and the student will be lost. The sight and the knowledge specified here are the insights that come through faith and the Holy Spirit, and the knowledge that comes from a faith-filled relationship with the Lord. The point of this image of the blind leading the blind is that we must be careful when choosing whom to follow or we stumble into a pit alongside our blind guide.
Theme in our Life Today
In today’s world, we have no business trying to guide others unless we ourselves can see clearly. This is an important message in a day when so many self-appointed gurus vie for control of our spiritual affairs, our financial affairs, our medical affairs, our romantic affairs, and our family affairs. Some are blind, but others see our vulnerabilities, they see where they can take advantage of us. When choosing a guide, particularly a spiritual guide, it pays to be very, very careful.
The parable of the blind leading the blind is linked to Jesus’ warning against judging people. When we judge others, we presume that we know best how they should act. We thus set ourselves up as guides or teachers when we might be such bad teachers that we lead people astray or even harm them. We cannot begin to guide others until we fully allow God to guide us.
Prepare for Sunday
1. What hinders you from seeing goodness in another? In yourself?
2. When has the parable about the blind leading the blind applied to you?
3. Have you ever tried to correct someone else’s behavior only to realize you yourself were in the wrong?
4. How do we correct someone’s behavior appropriately?
PRAYER
God of infinite love,
your patience and mercy are the standards by which you want us to treat each other.
Make us mindful of our failings,
and keep us open to your correction. Each day, help us to become
more honest in our self-appraisal
so that we will grow in holiness
and bear good fruit.
When we find fault in others,
help us to respond with wisdom and kindness. Help us to speak and act
in ways that reflect the goodness
you are cultivating within us.
We ask this as disciples of our Lord and teacher, Jesus Christ. Amen.