A Tree is known by its fruit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Third Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:43-49*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 1:15-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5 and 6-7*

*A Tree is known by its fruit*

*1) Character Reveals Itself in Action*

Just as you can identify a tree by the kind of fruit it produces, a person's true character is revealed through their actions—not their words, intentions, or appearances. 

A "good tree" produces good fruit; a person with integrity and kindness will show it through how they live and treat others.

Who you are deep down will eventually show in what you do, say, create, and leave behind.

*2) Authenticity vs. Appearance*

A tree might look healthy on the outside, but if it bears bitter or rotten fruit, you know something is wrong beneath the surface. 

Similarly, someone may appear outwardly successful, moral, or pious, but their "fruit"—the impact they have on others, the honesty in their dealings, the consistency of their values—will reveal their true nature.

It’s not enough to look the part; real goodness can’t be faked time

*3) The Call to Self-Examination*

This verse also invites personal introspection: 

What kind of fruit am I producing? 

Are my relationships healthy? 

Do my words bring peace or harm? 

Am I helping others grow, or draining them?

Before judging others, look inward. Are you bearing fruit that reflects your values?

*4) The Influence We Carry*

Fruit is not just for the tree—it nourishes others. 

In that way, our lives are not lived in isolation. What we produce (words, actions, art, work, relationships) has an impact. 

Our “fruit” influences others either toward healing or harm, hope or cynicism.

What kind of influence do I have in the spaces I occupy?

*5) Growth Takes Time*

Trees don’t bear fruit overnight. 

This verse also implies a process: cultivation, patience, seasons. 

If you're working on becoming better, more loving, or more grounded, the fruit will come in time—if you're nurturing the right roots.

What am I rooted in?

And am I giving myself the time and space to grow?

*6) Fruit as the Result of Communion with God*

In Christian spirituality, fruit is the result of abiding in God. 

Jesus said, *“I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me… you will bear much fruit”* (John 15:5).

The fruit is not something we manufacture by willpower, but something that naturally flows from intimacy with the Divine.

A disconnected branch cannot bear fruit. 

A disconnected soul cannot bear lasting goodness.

Am I connected to the Source — through prayer, humility, and surrender?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*