March 2, 2025 - One Bread, One Body
March 2, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle C Readings:
1) Sirach 27:4-7
Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16
2) 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Luke 6:39-45
Vocal fruit
“The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does a man’s speech disclose the bent of his mind.” —Sirach 27:6
Today’s Mass readings mention fruit and speech. Our speech reveals the condition, good or wicked, of our heart and mind (Lk 6:45; Sir 27:6). Our words bear good or wicked fruit in the lives of our children, spouse, neighbors, and co-workers. That fruit shows how careful we have been in our speech (Sir 27:6).
Is our speech bearing fruit? Will our words bear good fruit or bad fruit? Even in old age our words can bear fruit (Ps 92:15). Our words are creative, much like God’s (see Gn 1:1-26). What fruit has been created by our words? Is it the fruit of bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, and division? Or is it the fruit of love, peace, encouragement, unity, and numerous disciples?
When Jesus was on trial before the Sanhedrin, He asked, “Why do you question Me? Question those who heard Me when I spoke. It should be obvious that they will know what I said” (Jn 18:21). Similarly, the fruit produced by our life is evident to those who have heard our speech. Their lives will bear witness to what we have said to them. We are to be held accountable for every word we have spoken (Mt 12:36). If an investigator was to question those who heard what you have spoken over the years, what verdict would that investigator reach? Would the fruit of our words acquit us or condemn us? (Mt 12:37)
Prayer: Father, send someone into my life to call me to repentance. May I go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible.
Promise: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him.” —Is 11:2
Praise: “I solemnly assure you, an hour is coming, has indeed come, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have heeded it shall live” (Jn 5:25). Thank You, risen Jesus!
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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.