What Kind Of Fruit Do You Produce?

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8
Psalm 91(92):2-3,13-16
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Luke 6:39-45

A virtuous individual extracts goodness from the reservoir of virtue within, while a flawed individual taps into the reservoir of vice. This concept aligns with the understanding that a person’s spoken words are manifestations of their internal state.

In today’s scripture, Christ utilizes the analogy of a healthy tree yielding quality fruit versus a diseased tree producing spoiled fruit. This serves as an invitation for self-reflection, urging listeners to evaluate their actions and the resultant implications on their intrinsic nature. Just as a tree experiencing decay may benefit from rigorous pruning, so too can individuals confront and rectify moral shortcomings.

In contemporary industrial settings, quality assurance has become a vital function, ensuring that produced goods meet established safety and efficiency standards. Machines perform systematic evaluations, while human inspectors examine the merchandise for quality attributes. In this context, a limited set of inspection points can often provide a comprehensive assessment of overall quality.

Similarly, today’s readings challenge us to pause and scrutinize our spoken words, which can serve as indicators of the state of our hearts, minds, and souls. Given that many individuals may feel their lives lack the desired quality, such introspection could prove enlightening.

To facilitate this self-assessment, consider posing the following inquiries:

• What is the most egregious falsehood you have communicated in your life?
• What is the most intentionally unkind or damaging statement you have made?
• Have you issued any unjust condemnations against others in your discourse?
• Are our communications characterized by care, empathy, and civility, or do they reveal carelessness, indifference, and a lack of thoughtfulness?
  How we articulate ourselves provides insight into our attitudes toward others.

Additionally, we should examine our linguistic choices. Do we frequently resort to crude language, including expletives, blasphemies, or derogatory terms? Our linguistic expression not only conveys our thoughts but also reflects our internal condition.

As we approach the commencement of Lent with Ash Wednesday imminent, and the traditional opportunity for Confession on Shrove Tuesday, it is imperative to recognize Lent as a period of grace, reflection, and spiritual development. To maximize the potential for growth during this season, one must cultivate self-awareness regarding personal shortcomings and exhibit a willingness to strive for improvement, facilitated by divine assistance. This proactive approach allows individuals to capitalize on the spiritual opportunities presented throughout Lent.

Thus, let us commit to seeking divine forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the coming weeks of Lent, I encourage a focus on purifying our hearts through the intentional use of the word of God—a divine gift meant to glorify Him.

Fr Joseph Osho