The first reading from Sirach makes some great points. Is the potter a skilled artist? You’ll find out when the pottery comes out of the furnace. Does the fruit tree bear good fruit? You’ll find out when the harvest is ready. Is this person a good, wise and holy individual? You’ll find out when they speak. It will reveal something about their judgments, character and their visual acuity for goodness.

My friend Fr. Zack has a foundational rule for homilies: if you homily has three points, save two for another time.  It’s good advice, but today, I will take an exception to the otherwise excellent rule. I want to talk about three things: judgment, character, and blindness – all preludes to our actions and words in the world.