March 3, 2019

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Intention: For God’s healing and comfort to all who have been affected by severe weather across the nation.

Today’s Gospel | Luke 6:39-45

Jesus told his disciples a parable: “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. 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 eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

“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.”

From the Fifth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle

(T)he goodness of God has provided children with teachers who will instruct them in all these things. Admire the goodness of God in providing for all the needs of his creatures, taking the means to procure for all humanity the knowledge of the true good, that is, what concerns the salvation of their souls. Offer yourselves to God to help by assisting the children entrusted to you as much as he will require of you.

Prayer

Eternal Father, your Son came to help us perfect our faith and trust in you. Open us to the infinite compassion and care of your presence. Teach us to find in your grace the wisdom and strength to clear away our doubts and live our lives in the fullness of your love. And just as you comfort and sustain us, may we reach out to others and be channels of your mercy in their times of need. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.