From the Deacon’s Desk 3/3/19

Dear Friends:
Today we hear from the Gospel of Luke 6:39-45. This Gospel is only six verses long, but it really packs a wallop. Jesus starts off by telling us that he will speak to us in parables. He begins by asking, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” Jesus goes on to tell the disciples they will not be superior to the teacher; but when trained, the disciple become like his teacher. Jesus asks questions of the disciples, for example, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” The rest of the Gospel gives several examples of a very human trait to look on the faults of others and miss our own faults in the process!

Jesus tells us that it is very important to get our own lives in order. It is only when we do this that we can become his true disciples. I know you are aware that Jesus always puts everyone before himself. Many times, Jesus drops what he’s doing to go care for someone who is sick, troubled or dying. We cannot live as Jesus lives until we learn how to look inside ourselves and improve the faults we have.

Ash Wednesday is only a few days away. It is the perfect time to look inside ourselves and see what needs attention. It is the perfect time to do our best to change what needs to be changed and to love as Jesus loves!
Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim