He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. ‘No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6:39-49
Jesus told stories or parables to help people understand his teaching. From the beginning of time, stories, pictures with words, have helped us understand one another. In this age, we are often less moved by spoken story than by movies and videos that show us a story. Jesus' goal is simple here, he wants us to build on the solid foundation of love, a gift from God, freely given. Too often, we want to build on our flimsy egos and accomplishments. We are called to be those who love and give freely, trusting that we are loved so well, God's love and abundance will never go away.
Loving Creator, source of all good gifts and treasure
you put your story of love and abundance on our hearts
and help us build our lives by teaching us to love.
We have been hurt and think your love is dried up
we take on the world by ourselves thinking we are enough
when all along you have been holding us all together.
Breathe your Holy Spirit on us again, dear Lord
and make us your people of faith and abundance
so we can share your love in these dark and challenging times. Amen.
