Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 2 March ‘25
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sirach 27:4-7. Psalm 92. 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. Luke 6:39-45
Recognising and Bearing Good Fruits
We have all heard of the RMS Titanic, the luxurious passenger ship that was advertised as “unsinkable” and embarked on its maiden voyage in 1912. However, on April 14, 1912, the ship collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sank within three hours. Despite the captain’s efforts, he could not steer the ship away from the iceberg in time.
What went wrong? The visible part of the iceberg above the water was only 5%, while 95% remained submerged. The ship’s crew miscalculated the size and risk of the iceberg, leading to catastrophe.
Another analogy: Imagine a mango tree in full bloom during the months of April and May. Compared to the branches, trunk, and roots, the fruit is a small part of the tree. However, by tasting the fruit, we immediately recognize the tree’s nature—whether it bears sweet or sour fruit. No one eats the bark or leaves to assess a tree’s quality.
What do the iceberg’s tip and the fruit of the tree teach us in today’s Scripture reflection?
The first reading (Sirach 27:4-7) warns us not to judge based on appearances alone. Meanwhile, the Gospel (Luke 6:39-45) teaches us to assess a person’s character by their fruits—their words and actions. A person’s goodness is not hidden but revealed through their speech and deeds.
The Book of Sirach: Words Reflect the Heart
The first reading is from the Book of Sirach, a wisdom book written by Jesus Ben Sirach around 200 B.C.. The book teaches practical moral wisdom, helping people apply divine laws to daily life.
Through two proverbs, Sirach explains how a person’s inner nature is revealed:
A sieve separates husks from grain—likewise, a person’s speech reveals their inner self. Just as impurities rise to the top when grain is sifted, a person’s words expose their true thoughts and character.
A potter’s clay is tested in the furnace—similarly, a person’s speech tests their wisdom. Just as fire reveals cracks in a clay vessel, conversations reveal a person’s flaws and virtues.
Thus, before praising someone, we should listen to them speak and observe their actions. A person’s values, honesty, and wisdom are not determined by their appearance but by their words and deeds.
St. Paul: The Fruits of Resurrection
In the second reading (1 Corinthians 15:54-58), St. Paul concludes his discourse on the resurrection. He triumphantly proclaims:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory! O death, where is your sting?”
For Paul, the resurrection of Christ is a gift for all believers. Through Christ, humanity gains victory over sin and death.
With this belief, Paul urges the Corinthian Christians:
“Stand firm and immovable.” – Our faith must remain strong.
“Always work for the Lord.” – Every effort we make for God’s kingdom is meaningful.
“Your labour is not in vain.” – What we sow in this life will bear eternal fruit in the next.
If our life is a tree, then our efforts are its fruit—fruits that will endure into eternal life.
Jesus’ Three Parables on True Character
In the Gospel (Luke 6:39-45), Jesus uses three parables to illustrate how true character is revealed:
(a) The blind leading the blind – A person must first acquire wisdom before guiding others. A disciple must learn from Christ before leading others.
(b) A log in the eye – Many are quick to judge others while ignoring their own faults. Jesus calls for self-examination before criticizing others.
(c) Good trees bear good fruit – Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a person’s heart is revealed through their words and actions.
Jesus emphasizes that speech and deeds are the outward expression of one’s inner nature.
How to bear good fruits?
1. Cultivate a healthy mindset
Today, in job interviews, employers focus less on technical skills and more on a person’s attitude. The Gospel presents four types of attitudes, inviting us to reject the first three and embrace the fourth:
(a) Bad trees – Those who spread harm and negativity.
(b) Thornbushes – They take resources but only cause pain to those around them.
(c) Briars – They stay low and hidden, harbouring poisonous thoughts.
(d) Good Treasures – Those who store goodness within and share it with others.
A good person’s heart is like a storehouse of treasures, offering wisdom, kindness, and truth.
2. Speak words that inspire
Words are a gift and a responsibility. Our words can build others up or tear them down. Today’s media and politics are filled with empty words, spreading misinformation and fear. Instead, our words should bring light and encouragement.
3. Integrity between words and actions
Jesus said, “From the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Our words should align with our character. Integrity means keeping promises, speaking truthfully, and living consistently.
As Psalm 92 beautifully expresses:
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… They will bear fruit even in old age, full of life and freshness.”
May our lives bear lasting and good fruits in both word and deed.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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