In Luke’s Gospel, the Christian ethic may be summed up as a love that admits no boundaries or exclusions. This passage presents us several sayings of Jesus that are loosely bound together around this theme.

The relationship of Jesus to his disciples is not like that found among the Pharisees, whom he calls "blind guides" (Mt 15:14). A teacher can communicate only what he or she has been taught — and all that Jesus has received is from the Father (see Jn 17:8). In sharing everything, he forms his disciples into images of himself (vv 39-40).

He frequently criticized the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, and here counters it with a somewhat humorous image of how a teacher can be blind to his own glaring faults and still try to reform someone else. In this image, we catch something of Jesus’ early training as a carpenter (vv 41-42). The ultimate test of discipleship, and therefore of one’s love, is in what is accomplished. The type of fruit reveals the type of tree; the outward result reveals the inner attitude. Actions, not mere words, tell where the heart is (vv 43-45).

The concluding verses of the sermon, vv 46-49, are parallel to Mt 7:21-27, and are read on the Ninth Sunday of Year A.

The power of the word for good and for evil is a basic concern of Sirach, as it is in the letter of James (James 3). Quarreling (8:1-19; 28:8-12), taking false or hasty oaths (23:7-15), gossiping and lying (19:5-12; 20:22-26), and insincerity (5:14-6:1; 28:13-16) are all sins revealed through the tongue. Speech is a gift that must be in harmony with an inner sense of truth; inner decay is revealed when what we say is superficial and detached from what we are.

This psalm of praise concentrates on how the good and the evil, and the wise and the foolish, respond to God’s works. Response: "Lord, it is good to give thanks to you."

Paul concludes his discourse on the resurrection of the body with this hymn of praise to God for having overcome death in the victory of Jesus Christ (vv 54-57) and a final word of encouragement to his hearers (v 58). The trumpet (v 52) is a call to assembly, and assures us that the Church of which we are now a part will be fulfilled in the final union of all who will have been raised to new life. Being with Jesus is not a matter only of individual salvation or resurrection, but of togetherness with all his faithful in him.

1. How well or poorly do you feel that your own tongue reflects you?

2. Do you feel confident or uneasy in thinking about Jesus’ victory over your own death? Why?