Sunday Gospel Reflection
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 6:39-45 | Feb. 27, 2022
In Word and In Deed
T. Rex Paras
Ministry of Lectors and Commentators
Today’s First Reading (Sirach 27:4-7) teaches that “one’s speech disclose[s] the bent of one’s mind.” This is reinforced by Jesus in the Gospel (Luke 6:39-42) when he says that “from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” Without meaning to make a piecemeal interpretation of the readings, this reflection focuses on these short passages from the Old Testament and the New Testament, respectively.
The quoted verses tell us that what comes out of our mouth reveals what is inside our heart. What we speak is a reflection of what goes on in our mind. Our speech and interior disposition are so closely related that Sirach warns us, “Praise no one before [s/]he speaks, for it is then that people are tested.” (Sir 27:7)
Sirach’s admonition is opportune at a time when words are exchanged not only in traditional modes of communication, but also in modern forms like the social media. It is not unusual to size up people based on what they say during conversations. This is equally true in social media. Assumptions are made based on what users post in their social media accounts. But are one’s words really a good measure of one’s character?
In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in hate speech. Even prominent figures such as politicians and government leaders, here and abroad, are seen and heard in the news or during press conferences spouting hateful words against critics, even going as far as inciting their supporters to commit violence or lawlessness. Worse, the deplorable words of these leaders are translated into similarly abominable policies which prejudice the poor, marginalized and minorities.
While Sirach clearly states that “one’s speech disclose[s] the bent of one’s mind” and “one’s faults [appear] when one speaks” (Sir 27:4, 6), many of us refuse to see and hear what is revealed to us. Instead of denouncing the shameful words and conduct of our leaders, for example, many of us laboriously find ways to defend and justify their hateful speech and actions. Let us pray for the gift of attentive listening so that we may truly hear when these people around us speak and see them for who they really are.
We also need the same gift of attentive listening as we prepare for the national and local elections in May. The candidates for national positions have started campaigning and, as in any other previous election, have started wooing voters using words and speeches. In this situation, the adage that “a person’s words are reflective of his/her character” still applies. However, we have to be more discerning when listening to the candidates speak lest we forget that there are those who would say (and do) anything just to sound and appear palatable in order to be elected. Let us, therefore, pray for the gift of discernment, too, so that we may distinguish between candidates who will genuinely serve the public and those whose words are no more than empty promises.
While an individual’s words are a great help in identifying his/her character, we should also remember that “[w]hoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4)
