Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: 1Cor 10:14-22; Lk 6:43-49
A tree is known by its fruits. A healthy and good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Jesus gives us a simple and practical method of measuring the character and personality of ourselves and people through the example of a tree in today’s Gospel. Our life and actions are the best test of our goodness. The fruit of earnest prayer should be seen in our life as a person of prayer. Our goodness comes from the fundamental vision and principles of our life.
Jesus expects us to live valuebased lives. Such persons can never be shaken by any opposition and crisis in their life. Jesus compares the value-based life of a person to a house which was built on the rock as its foundation. The lives of such people are never shaken by storms and crises. On the other hand, if our life has no value-based formation, we will be like the house which was built on sand as its foundation. We will not have the stamina to resist trials and temptations if we do not put a strong foundation for our life based on our prayer and spiritual activities.
Today we live in a world where people are recognized and accepted by the magic of words and eloquence. People who have eloquence win elections. Often people are cheated by dishonest leaders who make numerous promises but in actual situations, they do nothing to reduce the sufferings of others. For Jesus, the authenticity is tested according to the fruits we bear. Authenticity is the rock on which Jesus wants his disciples to build up their lives. Great saints and many outstanding leaders were like a house built on a rock. No crisis and opposition could demoralize them. Their commitment to God and humanity was proved by the impact they made on the lives of others. Today let us ask ourselves, ‘Do I, as a disciple of Christ produce good fruit which is beneficial to the whole of society where I live?’