Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Gn 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Mt 7:15-20
Notes: The reflection title today is taken from the reflection of the Franciscans.
Summary
The discovery of truth is not to be a victory for some and a defeat for others.
All should be able to claim a share in that victory.
My Reflection
- Some people come to the right answer, the wrong way.
- Some people have the wrong answer but made in the right way (honestly, sincerely, thoughtfully).
- Now, just so you know, the ‘some people’ are in fact the same persons – we are each like the pendulum oscillating between extremes.
Even more, we sometimes at at BOTH extremes at the same time not as in the time/space continuum (although that too is being refactored as we speak) but in the moral and ethical sense we are able to hold in suspension two contradictory ideas at the same time as if both are true at the same time.
- This skill applied well is life giving.
- This skill applied poorly is devastating.
But all who seek the truth are able to hear one another, consider one another and integrate portions of the Other’s good as what is known to be truth.
Yesterday we were gifted the Golden Rule by Jesus (Do unto others). This is a shared human, moral standard with ethical conduct imperatives. It is not specifically a Jewish or Christian command but a primordial command of humanity.
What does Jesus say that gives us the guidance to navigate through the truth, skill and deficiency?
He sets the standard at the beginning and the end of the ‘test’.
By their fruits you will know them.
Any idea, policy, action.
So by their fruits you will know them.
The Test
Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.
The Fruit
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (See Galatians 5:22-23).
A nice read: https://iep.utm.edu/divine-command-theory/
Reflection (Franciscan)
A deep and genuine concern for other people will remind us that the discovery of truth is not to be a victory for some and a defeat for others. Unless all can claim a share in that victory, truth itself will continue to be rejected by the losers, because it will be regarded as inseparable from the yoke of defeat. And so, confrontation, controversy and the like might yield to a genuine united search for God’s truth and how it can best be served
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-irenaeus/
First Reading
Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.
This scripture passage literally means: Abram was in right-relation with the Lord through Faith. This is the first of fruits.
Responsorial
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.
Gospel Acclamation
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry