A Tree and Its Fruit
1 Timothy 1:15–17; Psalm 112; Luke 6:43–49
Jesus is blunt: “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.” Today’s Gospel cuts through our pretenses. We live in a world where many wear the label “Christian,” yet their fruits scream otherwise. You can deceive people with your words, your dressing, or your rituals, but your fruits will always betray who you really are. A mango tree does not produce oranges! What kind of fruits are you bearing? Do your words heal or wound? Do your actions attract people to Christ—or repel them?
St. Paul reminds us that even bad trees can be grafted into Christ. He himself was once a persecutor, but mercy transformed him into an apostle. Today we also celebrate St. John Chrysostom, a man whose very name means “Golden Mouth.” His preaching was fire—he spoke truth without fear, condemned corruption, and stood for justice even when it cost him exile. His fruits were courage, wisdom, and holiness. What about you? If you were judged today by your fruits, what would be found—faith or hypocrisy, light or darkness?
LET US PRAY
Lord God, purify our hearts so our lives may bear good fruit. Make our words, actions, and choices seeds of truth, courage, and mercy that draw others to Christ. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
