Gospel for February 27 2022 – Luke 6:39-45
Gospel Reflections for February 27 2022
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
You see that message printed on every sideview car mirror. It has a lesson that Russian leaders should learn as well.
I am glad that message is there. You need to know the image you see is not true, which helps you make better judgments on the road.
A mirror reveals good news and bad. Maybe you like it when it helps you get ready in the morning but resent it when it reveals features about your face you may not like!
Wouldn’t it be great if your mirror said, “Objects in mirror are better than they appear!”
The Gospel today presents people who do not see themselves clearly. They see a speck in another’s eye but not the log in their own! They easily find faults in other people …but never in themselves. That terrible ignorance can even lead a nation into violence, as Russia is now attacking Ukraine.
We often do not like in others what is actually in our self. There is an old saying that when you point your finger at someone else, your other three fingers point back at you! We see in others what we see in our self. For example…
Once upon a time, there was a Wise Old Man sitting by the town gate. A traveler walked up and said, “I am sure this town is filled with bad people.” The Wise Old Man, said, “Yes, that is exactly who you will find here!” Later another traveler walked up and said, “I am sure this town is filled with wonderful people.” The Wise Old Man said, “Yes, that is exactly who you will find here!”
We see people …not as they are …but as we are.
Today’s Gospel focuses on what kind of thoughts are in your heart. If they are good, then you will see goodness in those around you. If evil, then you will only see evil in people around you.
Lent will arrive on Wednesday, a great time for self-reflection and learning. Fortunately, The University Series will also begin online that offers many speakers that connect faith with real life. You can see them all at theuniversityseries.org. I hope you decide to see every session.
Lent is the time to get an accurate view of yourself. Knowing yourself well will make your journey in life safer and much more enjoyable …just as in your car with that helpful mirror.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Can a Blind Person lead a blind Nation? Seems to me that is happening in the Ukraine with an invasion of a peaceful Country. The needless strife and destruction is crazy.
The people of Russia realize it and are protesting. Let us pray for their leaders to wake up and reverse course. Peace and Prosperity is far better than starting a War of aggression.
Lent is a great time to reflect on what is good and proper in our lives.
I enjoy reading these gospel reflections as they relate the gospel to everyday life in such a wonderful and understandable way! Thank you!!
I am glad you find my reflections helpful!
Hi Father Dave, Joe and I are in MA caring for my sister. We love the University Series but won’t be home then. Can we view them online at any time or just when they’re being filmed live.
Thanks again for another great year enriching our lives through Lent!
Jane & Joe Lynch
Yes, I know you are there. Please be assurred of my prayers too. Some of the online sessions will be recorded if the speaker allows it. Whatever has been recorded will be available to Season Pass holders at the end of the series.
Loiveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your precious University series and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee precious you for giving us the precious gift of our Jesus!!! We must share our Jesus’ love with everyone!!! Praying for Ukraine for they are beautiful Faithfilled, courageous people!!! The US and the whole world should be protecting them!! An aggression against humanity is an aggretion against all!! If we stood together in unity, war could be averted!! Lets beautifully pray for peace for the courageous Ukrainians!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed them!!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dicck
Thanks you!
Loiveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your precious University series and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee precious you for giving us the precious gift of our Jesus!!! We must share our Jesus’ love with everyone!!! Praying for Ukraine for they are beautiful Faithfilled, courageous people!!! The US and the whole world should be protecting them!! An aggression against humanity is an aggretion against all!! If we stood together in unity, war could be averted!! Lets beautifully pray for peace for the courageous Ukrainians!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed them!!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
A wonderful Lenten Reflection, Fr. Dave!
When we have God’s love in our hearts, our words and actions will reflect
the love that God has for us.
Well said!
Thank you as always for your insight and wisdom..Great message.
You are very welcome!
i have been reading a book on forgiveness and have had trouble getting past the introduction. It talks about the results of unforgiveness. Bitterness, resentment, anger, etc. In the past I would have trouble likeing certain people. Then after learning more about the reasons I disliked that person I had to look in the mirror. Ourch. This scripture is a great reminder for me to always look at me first. This is a great time to draw close to God for inner healing of the things we find so offensive in others and trust that He is helping us deal with those things.
By the way.. There is a bible study that I was going to and mentioned the University series. Some of the people were from churches in the valley. So our leader sent them your link. I hope to sign up to get many of the classes this year. They look great.
Yes, once again, there are some great University Series sessions. It has expanded now into the San Fernando Valley, which is great.
I love this reflection. Thank-You! Here is a Maori proverb: “Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows fall behind you.”
No fear is stronger than our fear of our own shadow. And nothing is more destructive than the defenses we adopt so as to avoid confronting ourselves.
Great Maori Proverb. A lot fo wisdom there. Thank you for sharing it.
I love the way you explain the gospels that give such an easy & understandable way for us lay people to understand the meanings. Can’t thank you enough & may God continue to bless you!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad you find my writing helpful.
Dear Father Dave,
Sorry to be so late with a response. Prayers for Ukraine and our world.
God bless and many thanks for your gospel reflections.
Kathleen
Yes, keep praying for the people of Ukraine!
Fr. Dave,
This gospel profoundly strikes me this year. I recently learned of the passing of a dear childhood friend, Andrew Walther. You may be familiar with Andrew’s tireless, charitable work for the Knights of Columbus and most recently at EWTN until he passed, not coincidentally on 11/1/2020. I recall one of your homilies at St. Paschal, in which you stated, “There are no professional Catholics.” Well, if one existed, it would have had to have been Andrew. I met Andrew at Good Shepherd School. Even then, the precocious 12-year-old showed himself to be a “model” Catholic. He was quiet, studious, quick-witted and very devoted to his religious calling. Years later when I learned about his “celebrity” status in the work he was doing for the Knights, I was not the least surprised to see he had followed his vocational calling. When we were in 7th grade, Andrew had been hospitalized for a number of weeks. Our teacher asked us to make cards for Andrew, which she was going to deliver to his parents. I’ll never forget Andrew’s first day back in class, when he was sitting next to me as usual. He pulled out a wrinkled paper from his pocket. It was the card I had made him! Now, in retrospect, when I think about that card, it seems to reflect back at me and cast a shaft of light. I realize perhaps my faith could use some polish. I resolved to delve into Catholic media and literature to re-acquaint myself with my faith again. It’s not enough to simply go to church every Sunday and make that one-year deadline to confession to avoid the repercussions of mortal sin. As Catholics, we don’t do the minimal to get by; we give the most we can. I need to become “friends” with my faith again. This time of Lent is an opportune time to explore that resolution.
All very well said. Thanks you also for sharing your memories of Andrew. What a remarkable and inspirational person!