The parable that makes us feel most uncomfortable

Bishop David McGough

28 February, 2019

Eighth Sunday of the Year
Eccl 27:4-7; 1 Cor 15:54-58; Lk 6:39-45 (Year C)

‘The kiln tests the work of the potter, the test of a man is in his conversation. The orchard where the tree grows is judged on the quality of its fruit, similarly a man’s words betray what he feels.”

The Book of Ecclesiasticus is a collection of ancient proverbs and sayings for the instruction of Jerusalem’s citizens and leaders. Thus it promotes a fundamental integrity that should govern relationships at every level of society. A sure test of such integrity is to be found in the conversations that we entertain. It is in daily conversation that we demonstrate a truly compassionate care and respect for each other.

Sadly it is also true that such conversations have the power to destroy. “For as a person destroys his enemy, so you have destroyed the friendship of your neighbour. In your presence the mischief-maker is all sweetness, and he admires your words; but later he will twist his speech and with your own words he will trip you up.”

Jesus confronted the hypocrisy concealed behind a false and self-righteous religiosity. “Can a blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into the pit? The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher.”

If we are to follow in the footsteps of the Master, then our words, like those of Jesus, must be rooted in the love of the Father. “For the Father sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved.”

For our words to reflect the love that has called us into being, we must first confess our own need for salvation. “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,’ when you cannot see the plank in your own? Take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly enough to see the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

Few can escape this withering condemnation. With the psalmist, and in the strength of the Holy Spirit, we can only pray ‘‘a pure heart create for me, O God. Put a steadfast spirit within me.’’

Only then shall our words, like those of the good man, flow from what fills the heart.