The Test is Ongoing

This weekend, we are reminded that there will be a test that will separate the real from the fake, the good from the bad, the perishable from the imperishable, the mortal from the immortal. From the book of Sirach, we read, ‘when a sieve is shaken, the refuse appears, so a person’s filth in his thoughts. The kiln tests the potter’s vessels…’ (cf. Sr 27:4-7). Further, St. Paul writes that, ‘…when the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality…’ (1 Cor 15:54-58). Our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel according to Luke, among other things calls our attention to the need for self-assessment which will eschew the unnecessary fear of God’s assessment. There will be tests for our character and deeds. No matter what happens, we must never forget to give thanks because as the psalmist says, ‘It is good to give thanks to you, O Lord’ (Ps 92(91) v 2a).

Beloved People of God, the test is ongoing. Whether we test and pass ourselves or people test and approve of us, the real test is from God. He has the real sieve and will give the last assessment. God gives the ultimate judgment. Here is something to remember and to hold on to – ‘…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’. That which we need to do is, ‘…therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain’ (cf. 1 Cor 15:54-58).

As we look forward to the Season of Lent from this Ash Wednesday, we pray for a sincere and thorough self-examination and introspection. Through the grace of God which is always sufficient for us, may we all be able to first take the log out of our own eye, and then see clearly to take out the speck that is our neighbour’s, our brother’s or sister’s eye.

Fr. Ted