27 February 2022
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the Gospel today, Jesus emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and recognizing the quality of the fruits that are produced in our lives. This isn’t because He wants us to stress ourselves out by ruminating over shortcomings or wallowing in guilt over our failings. Far from it. Rather, Christ exhorts us to self-knowledge in the hope that when we truly see ourselves in the light of God and recognize the goodness He truly desires for us, we will stop at nothing to free ourselves from all those things that prevent us coming closer to Him.
The other side of this coin is that self-reflection is an essential component of our ability to effectively witness to others in daily life. When we truly know ourselves and live with hearts aligned to the message of the Gospel, our lives cannot help but become permeated by a sense of goodness, truth, grace, humility, charity, peace, and joy. These fruits that are born in our lives through authentic relationship with Christ are tangible and obvious to those we encounter in daily life. It is thus that Jesus recommends that instead of focusing on criticizing others, we should concentrate on amending our own lives such that the good fruit they bear will be obvious and serve as a gentle invitation for others to greater love of God in their own lives.
Let us reflect then today on what fruits are being born in our lives. In what areas are we thriving? What are perhaps some areas that could use some pruning? What are those things that hold us back from enjoying a more intimate relationship with Jesus?