Living in God’s Light: Building Relationships Rooted in Faith

08th Sunday in Ordinary Time: March 02, 2025

Readings: Sirach 27:4–7; Psalm 92:2–3, 13–16; 1 Corinthians 15:54–58; Luke 6:39–45

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/UQ0yoRojzYA

Three things are very important in life to make it meaningful: Trust, mercy and forgiveness. Trust builds our relationships, mercy brings people together, and forgiveness creates peace among people.  This week we have been reading very poignant readings from the book of Sirach (wisdom literature of the Bible). What matters most in our life is living our earthly life in line with the precepts of God. It means allowing God to be God. Being born with limitedness and vulnerability, none of us are perfect. Especially when we live in families or religious communities, we need more and more power to make adjustments in order to build trust, mercy and forgiveness. The liturgical readings of this Sunday tell us that to be good means to be embraced by the compassion of our God.

1. Building our lives with God as true light

In this passage of Luke 6:39–45, Jesus speaks in parables, offering wisdom about guidance, self-awareness, and the fruitfulness of a good heart. His words challenge us to examine ourselves, to seek true wisdom, and to bear fruit that reflects God’s presence within us. "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?" (Luke 6:39).  Jesus warns against the danger of being led by those who lack true spiritual sight. 

In our faith journey, we must discern whom we follow. Do we look to Christ as our guide, or do we rely on worldly voices that lead us astray? As Christians, we have been given the richness of the Church’s teaching, the wisdom of the saints, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us immerse ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments so that we may walk in the light and help others do the same.

2. Seeing one's worth before God

Jesus invites us to humility and self-examination. It is easy to judge others, to highlight their flaws while ignoring our own weaknesses. In this week, we enter into the Season of Lent. It is a time that especially calls us to repentance. Do we examine our conscience regularly? Do we seek the sacrament of Reconciliation with sincerity? Instead of criticizing others, let us strive for personal holiness and extend mercy, just as we hope to receive mercy from God. Jesus questions, "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?" (Luke 6:41).

Jesus reminds us that discipleship is a process of transformation. As we follow Him, we are shaped and formed into His likeness. This growth requires patience and commitment. Are we willing to be formed by Christ? Are we open to His teachings, even when they challenge us? Let us seek to deepen our faith through the Eucharist, personal prayer, and works of charity, so that we may truly become like our Master.

3. God makes us known by our fruits

The fruit of our lives reveals the state of our hearts. If we are rooted in Christ, our words and actions will reflect His love. Jesus tells us, "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit." (Luke 6:43). Do our interactions bring peace and encouragement to others? Do we bear fruit through acts of kindness, patience, and generosity? As Christians, we are called to be witnesses of Christ in our families, workplaces, and communities. May our lives be a testimony to His goodness.

What fills our hearts? Jesus teaches that our words and actions overflow from what is within. If we dwell on anger, negativity, frustration, resentment, or selfishness, these will manifest in our lives. But if we cultivate love, gratitude, and faith, our words and deeds will glorify God. Let us nourish our souls with the Word of God, receive the Eucharist with devotion, and seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so that our hearts may always reflect the heart of Christ.

A few questions for self-reflection

1. Do I actively work to build trust in my relationships—with God, my family, and my community?
2. In what ways can I grow in trust, mercy, and forgiveness in my daily interactions?
3. Who or what guides my decisions—Christ, or worldly influences?

Prayer Based on Psalm 92

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of gratitude, rejoicing in Your steadfast love. Morning and evening, I will proclaim Your faithfulness, for You are my rock and my refuge.  Plant me, Lord, in the house of Your presence, that I may grow strong and flourishing in Your courts. Even in my old age, may I bear fruit, remaining full of life and strength, a witness to Your goodness.

Let my life declare that You are just, O Lord, my faithful God, in whom there is no wrong. Keep me rooted in Your love, that I may always walk in Your ways and praise You forever. May the Holy Spirit help me to be a disciple who walks in light, speak with wisdom, and love with sincerity. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

February 27, 2025