Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

From its inception in the 1920's to the end of the 1960's the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race was unique in that its drivers would line up on the opposite side of pit lane to their cars. Then, when the starter's flag dropped, the drivers would sprint cross the track to their cars and attempt to get out into the race ahead of as many of their competitors as possible. From 1970 this practice was changed after Belgian driver Jackie Ickx was almost run down by a rival.

Today this practice is (unofficially) reserved to Catholic churches across the country, with the opening notes of the recessional hymn replacing the starter's flag and many in the congregation doing their best to clear the carpark before Father has reached the sacristry.

In the first reading this Sunday we are told that the kiln tests the work of the potter, and the tree in the orchard is judged by its fruit. In the spirit of Le Mans we might also add, the heart of the church-goer is revealed in the carpark - whether in the mad dash to get out, or the lingering gossip on the Church steps.

In the Gospel we hear again about the fruit of the tree - that no good tree produces rotten fruit and vice versa. But ours is not a faith that believes in determinism. All too often our actions reflect our heart and mind. But so too can they shape them.

The prophets of the old testament called constantly for a change of heart and for the people to deliberately turn towards God, no matter how far they had strayed. What the Church calls metanoia - to change and expand the heart.

This Sunday's readings remind me that the challenge the Gospel places before us is to continually reflect, to be self-aware, and to choose each day to become the person that God has created us to be. And to remember that prayer is one of our most powerful tools.

Around 500 years ago Ignatius Loyola developed the daily examen, one of the spiritual exercises, to cultivate the Christian heart and mind. It is a practice worth exploring in detail, but for those times when a simplified version would help, simply reflect on your day and these three points.

One thing I thank God for is... (the good fruit)

One things for which I am sorry today is... (the bad fruit)

One thing I ask God's help with is... (cultivating the tree)

It is a good practice for Lent (which begins this week) but an even better one for life.

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Scripture Reflections Seeking Understanding

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