Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time_C - The Truth of the Matter_022722

Deacon Tom Writes, 

“The Truth of the Matter” 

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

 Do you recall the 1963 movie, “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World? It was a farcical comedy that brought some levity into our relatively simple lives back then. Today it seems that movie title all too accurately describes the world we are now living in: Mad... Mad... Mad. Confirmation of this can be found by putting on the evening news.

We all witness vast corruption and scandal in our world and in our church; we see political divisions and factions in a constant state of tension with both sides yelling and no one listening; we see families in distress because of broken relationships, drug and alcohol addictions, and a new alienation caused by the proliferation of technology that places in our hands the entire spectrum the good, the bad and the ugly for all to peruse and make their choice. We are indeed living in incredible times, the best and the worst as Dickens would say.

Today’s readings direct provide guidance on the choices we face. There is a clear recognition that the world has a different standard by which to measure success than we find in the teachings of Jesus. We all know the standards for success the world embraces... The world is enthralled with power and success with all its entrapments such as, fame, fortune, the display of extravagant wealth and the lifestyle that goes along with it. The world rewards succeed regardless of the costs and no matter what principles or people have to be compromised along the way. Isn’t it interesting how easily the faults of the rich and the famous are overlooked? People with these qualities will rise to the top and stay there. Yes, they are driven individuals who will succeed no matter the cost.

Today’s gospel lays out a dramatically different standard for Jesus’ disciples. It is a very simple standard. It is one Jesus observed in the beauty of nature. “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.” This is pure wisdom by which we can measure the integrity of those attempting to gain influence in our lives.

We are at a critical point in the history of the world. There are many powerful voices seeking to influence our spiritual, political, and economic lives. How do we decide what voices to listen to; how do we know what people to support for political office; what standard can we rely upon to help us navigate the world of commerce upon which we depend for our security, comfort, and quality of life?

The lesson from nature, and Jesus, is simple. Look at the fruit! “You don’t get figs from a thorn bushes, you don’t gather grapes from brambles.” What kind of fruit are we producing?

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Previous reflections can be found at: www.deacontomwrites.com

Photo- Dalia at Enders Island, Connecticut

Looking for a good read this Lent? Try “Life of the Beloved” by Henri Nouwen. 

Or check out the “Francis Effect Podcast” to keep up with current contemporary conversations happening in our church.

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time_C -The Truth Of The Matter_030319

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The Truth Of The Matter”

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Do you recall the 1963 movie, “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World? It was a farcical comedy that brought some levity into our relatively simple lives back then. Today it seems that movie title all too accurately describes the world we are now living in: Mad... Mad... Mad. Confirmation of this can be found by putting on the evening news.

We see corruption and scandal in our world and in our church; we see political divisions and factions in a constant state of tension with both sides yelling and no one listening; we see families in distress because of broken relationships, drug and alcohol addictions, and a new alienation caused by the proliferation of technology that places the world and its glitter at our immediate disposal bringing instant gratification to anyone seeking to be so enthralled.

Today’s gospel challenges us to recognize the sign of the times: we are living in a spiritual void. The world has a different standard by which to measure success than Jesus did. And we know that standard... It is power and all its entrapments such as, fame, fortune, a greater willingness to succeed regardless of the costs and no matter what principles have to be compromised along the way. People with these qualities will rise to the top and stay there. Yes, they are driven individuals who will succeed no matter the cost.

Today’s gospel lays out a dramatically different standard for people who claim to be followers of Jesus to use as their guiding light as they go through life. It is a very simple standard. It is one that comes directly not just from the lips of Jesus but also one displayed in nature all around us. “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit”. This is pure wisdom for our times; it is the truth of the matter by which we can measure the integrity of those attempting to gain influence in our lives.

We are at a critical point in the history of the world. There are many powerful voices seeking to influence our spiritual, political, and economic lives. How do we decide what voices to listen to; how do we know what people to support for political office; what standard can we rely upon to help us navigate the world of commerce upon which we depend for our security, comfort, and quality of life?

The lesson from nature, and Jesus, is simple. Look at the fruit! You don’t get figs from a thorn bushes, you don’t gather grapes from brambles. Things are not always as they appear to be!!! The truth of the matter is this: look beyond appearance and judge the quality of the fruit and the beauty that brings it into being.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom