A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 6:39-45
Jesus told his disciples a parable, "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,' when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye. "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. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."
REFLECTION: "for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."
There are things in reality that we do not pick up with the senses of the body but with that of the soul.
Just like how we are attracted to that which is good and beautiful, we are also mysteriously attracted to what is holy. I have noticed that holiness in people that I have been blessed to meet is less to do with any miracles or outwardly signs but everything to do with the presence they carry in them.
Sometimes, they do not even have to say very much at all, being in their company alone brings joy.
However, when they do speak, there is a power in the words spoken. Holy people speak words that move the soul, open it to the workings of the spirit of God, and inspires peace and goodness.
I think of the image of a lighted candle - holy people have the fire of God which they pass on to those they come into contact with. They enkindle the fire of the peace, love and joy of God in another.
A heart without this fire has no power, the words are empty and unfruitful. They cannot light up another soul because there is only darkness in their own.
Let us pray for the souls of our priests, that they may grow in holiness to be strong wicks with which God may set ablaze with His fire so that the souls of all may be enlightened.
