Jesus, the Messiah or Christ, is the one true Teacher we have. Hence, we let no one call us teachers, since we are, rather, his pupils. 

In today’s gospel, Jesus still has for pupils not just his apostles and disciples but all those who hear him. He now teaches them that it is crucial that they learn.

And that they learn from the right teacher. For pupils of teachers who do not know their stuff cannot tell right from wrong, true from false, risk life and limb. And, besides, who one’s teacher is matters, since on this hinges what one turns out to be in the end. After all, pupils often end up just like their teachers.

Jesus also tells his apostles, disciples and those who hear him not to be quick to judge others. Not that we should close our eyes to sin and wrongdoing or not call out lies. But before we do so, we must see to it that we do not have the same or worse faults. That we do not spread misinformation and disinformation, but that these stop with us. 

Yet Jesus says too that what we say or do not say, do or do not do, comes from our hearts. In other words, meek and lowly hearts yield fruits of love for friends and foes, of mercy, understanding, patience, forgiveness. Angry and proud hearts, on the other hand, yield fruits of hate, revenge, lack of understanding and patience, fault-finding.

So, to be Jesus’ pupils, we have to learn from him, lowly and meek of heart that he is. It is what he teaches by word and deed that we should follow. Yes, we should be like children, like little pupils. For the Father reveals to them what he hides from the wise.

Lord Jesus, in you our labors are not in vain. So, make us follow you and be your true pupils. We shall thus also have the light of life and not walk in the dark. And moreover, the fruit we bear will show the care you give us. Hide and fill us, so that we cannot but live and die like you (SV.EN I:276). Give up our bodies, too, and shed our blood as you did. And make us grow more and more lowly and simple this coming season of Lent.

2 March 2025
8th Sunday in O.T. (C)
Sir 27, 4-7; 1 Cor 15, 54-58; Lk 6, 39-45