Sirach 27:4-7 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 Luke 6:39-45
When I sit down to prepare these reflections I always begin by praying that the Holy Spirit will give me an image upon which to base my words. Imagine my delight last week when I read in the first reading, "the fruit of the tree shows the care it has had.” …and in the Psalm, (the just person) “shall bear fruit even in old age”, and in the Gospel, "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. “
Okay, Okay, I can take a hint!
It seems to me that “bearing fruit” can be examined both personally and socially. But even before that, I think we need to agree on what is “good fruit.” I'm sure we would all agree about what a good apple looks like, or a good peach. But the scripture is looking at something else. The scripture asks us to look at behaviors and their results.
What is good fruit? If what I hope to produce, is popularity, financial gain, interpersonal dominance and the best of everything for myself, I know what kind of behavior is required. I will curry favor among those who can do me good, make financial decisions that build up my personal wealth, bully and belittle others.
On the other hand, if my definition of good fruit more accurately mirrors Jesus’s definition… the good fruit of justice, mercy, charity, humility… different behaviors will be required. I will treat others as I want to be treated. I will consider other people's needs as important as my own. I will personally advocate for those who are weaker or struggling…. all those directives we find in the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.
As we stand here on the threshold of Lent, it might be spiritually “fruitful”, (pun fully intended!) to look at my own behavior and reflect on the fruit it is producing. Does the gospel call me to make changes this Lent?
And to look at public policy and social media and ask what kind of fruit is being produced there? Is it justice or injustice? Truth or lies? Peace or fear? Hope or hopelessness? Charity or ugliness? What role may the gospel call me to play as a citizen in public life to produce healthy fruit on the public stage?
This could be a very challenging Lent …
by: Pat Schnee
Kommentare