8C Sunday homily - A good person ...produces good (2 March 2025)

 

8C SUNDAY HOMILY, LUKE 6:39-45  March 2, 2025

1. STORY

In Abbot John's monastery there were many books with one being very rare and expensive.  One day a visiting monk walked away with it and tried to sell it to a rich man.  The rich man asked Abbot John about the valuable of the book.  The abbot said it was very valuable but said nothing more.  The rich man told the visiting monk about his visit to the abbot.  The visiting monk was amazed that the abbot said nothing about the book being stolen.  He realised that the abbot did not want to get him into trouble.  He change his mind about selling the book and returned the book to the abbot.  He pleaded with the abbot to let him stay in the monastery to learn wisdom from him.  His wish was granted and he modelled his life after the saintly abbot.  He learned a good person produces good.

 

2. GOSPEL, LUKE 6:39-45

A GOOD PERSON PRODUCES GOOD

Jesus teaches us that a good tree does not bear rotten fruit and a rotten tree does not bear good fruit.  He explains this by saying a good person produces good and an evil person produces evil.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

SUGGESTIONS FOR BEING A GOOD PERSON

Here are some suggestions on how to be a better person.

A. TOWARD GOD

i) You should pray daily asking God at the beginning of your day to bless you and your family during the day.  At the end of the day thank him for all his love and care received during the day.  

ii) Make every effort to faithfully attend Sunday Mass and if possible, to receive Holy Communion. 

B. TOWARD OUR NEIGHBOUR

i) You should speak with kindness and respect helping people to know more, to be happier and more at peace. 

ii) You should listen to others who want to speak.  This requires your time, interest and patience.  This is a sign of respect for them. 

C. TOWARD YOURSELF

i) You must take care of your heath by eating properly, resting and getting enough sleep. 

ii) Make time to have good communication with your family and friends.  We need the support of others. 

 

4. CONCLUSION

Abbot John helped the visiting monk who stole an expensive book from his monastery.  The visiting monk did not sell the book he had stolen rather he asked for forgiveness and to remain in the monastery to follow the saintly example of the abbot who was a good person who produced good.  Christ teaches us to do good.  We do this by praying to God, helping our neighbour and caring for our health.