By their fruit we shall know them

Gen. 15:1-12.17-18, Mt. 7:15-20. When judging a tree by its fruit, in today's Gospel, Jesus warns against false leaders whose ambitions are quite the opposite to what they promise. Outwardly, they may look like sheep but underneath they are ravenous wolves. What we really desire is not always what others might think. From Jesus, the real test of our heart’s desire is the kind of fruit that our lives bear: "You will be able to tell them by their fruits." Paul also uses the image of ‘fruit’ when, in his letter to the Galatians (5:22), he lists the ‘fruits of the Spirit’ as love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The practical effects of the Spirit can be described in all these different ways; but the key fruit is ‘love.’ If our lives bear that kind of fruit, we are like the ‘sound tree’ Jesus speaks about. A fruitless tree can cause disappointment and frustration. Such was the trial of Abram as recorded in today's first reading.

When after long years of marriage Sarah conceived no child, he complained to God: “What good will your gifts be, if I have nobody to inherit them but the steward of my house, Eliezer?” The long testing of Abram’s confidence was getting the better of him. His dream not only churned up his doubts but also helped him persevere in hope. After dividing the sacrificial animals on two sides, he saw a smoking brazier and a flaming torch pass between the pieces. When the birds of prey swooped down, Abram had to stay with the sacrifice and drove off the birds. Even though doubts and hesitation threatened his faith, he clung on and persevered. In the symbols of smoke and fire, the Lord passed between the divided animals, whose blood, flowing on the altar, symbolised the bond of life between God and His servant Abram. At this spiritual sign, Abram shared his agony with God and he believed — not merely with intellectual assent but with a surrender of his whole self and ambitions, to the living God. Abraham became like a tree that bore good fruit, retaining its health and vigour all through the years.

May the Lord grant us cheerful and a generous heart and may we bring joy to our homes, workplace and to all whom we meet! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!