HOMILY: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Luke 6:39-45
2 March 2025
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
Do you follow people on social media? Whether they be entertainers, politicians, critics or artists? I find it quite difficult to take people at their word these days. It is not easy to believe people, even those who hold positions of trust, such as politicians, media personalities, lawyers, ministers, even parents. Social media has glamourised and glorified those who have successfully captured the attention of netizens, gaining for themselves ‘influencer status’. Content creators claim they are simply being authentic. However, how many of them have resorted to following viral trends to spike their engagement and following? On social media one is often rewarded for creating an image and content that sells, oftentimes at the cost of what is true.
Now, we do not want to be “judgy”. Jesus, Himself cautions us against criticising others for their faults and mistakes without being aware of our own. He says, why notice the splinter in your brother’s eye without removing the bigger beam in your own eye? (Luke 6:41) This Sunday, let us take a moment to look into our hearts and quickly check if our words and actions of the week align with our identity as Christians.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.” (Luke 6:43) Are you confused? We should not be! We have a similar saying in Tagalog — “Kung ano ang puno, siya ring bunga.” (“As the tree is, so is the fruit.”) While we should not be too quick in judging others, we should keep in mind that there is no mask or pretence that can hide the truth of one’s heart and soul. It is always revealed by our words, actions and choices. As men and women of Christ, there is a need to maintain integrity in the way we express ourselves and in how we relate with one another.
In today’s world, integrity seems to be in increasingly short supply. The election fever has already begun. In these days leading up to the election, quite a number of politicians shall be courting voters to consider them for public office. Many of them will pretend to be advocates of justice and truth. They will claim to be on the side of the people. They will dance, sing, shake our hand, hug us and take selfies with us. They will promise economic reform but, once elected, unfortunately, will use their position for personal gain or disregard the needs of the people they have vowed to serve. Their actions betray the very ideals they have claimed to uphold. Just like a rotten tree that does not bear good fruit, their actions reflect a lack of integrity, and their words are proven to be empty.
On the other hand, there are those running for public office who speak the truth no matter how unpleasant, nor difficult it is to hear, and who consistently work toward the welfare of the people. Even if it is challenging, they remain steadfast in yielding positive outcomes. Their sincerity and commitment to their promises are not mere words — they are reflected in what they do. These are the persons whose actions are consistent with their values, and their integrity fosters trust with the people they committed themselves to serve.
Jesus’ words challenge us to look inwardly and look into our motives and our values. Let us be mindful that this will be made evident through our words, actions and choices. In our First Reading we are told: “The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind. Praise no one before he speaks, for it is then that people are tested.” (Sirach 27:6-7) Integrity is the bridge between what we say and what we do. As the Hebrew word DABAR suggests, “word” and “deed” are inseparable — our words must reflect our inner values, and our actions must be consistent with what we claim to believe in. It is easy to speak of righteousness and good intentions, but it is through our deeds that we ultimately demonstrate our true character.
In the end, what Jesus is teaching us is that our lives can be likened to trees, and the fruits we bear reveal the condition of our hearts. If we want to bear good fruits, we must instill and foster integrity within our hearts. Our actions should reflect the honesty, generosity, and righteousness that are consistent with our Christian values. In a world where trust can easily be compromised, integrity is the fruit that builds stronger relationships, nurtures flourishing communities, and promotes a more just society.
Brothers and sisters, let us pray for the grace to cultivate integrity in our lives, so that the fruit we bear will always be good, living out the truth and love of Christ in every aspect of our relationship with others.
Life Giver, A painting by Amy Giacomelli
Sunday Gospel Reflections 