June 23, Wednesday Weekday

Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. — Psalm 119:33

Mass Readings: 2 Kings 22:8-13;23:1-3 / Matthew 7:15-20 

Fruits of Love

W hen I moved into a new neighborhood a couple with neat appearance who often talked about God satisfied my criteria for “good” people. A man living downstairs from our apartment displayed ugly tattoos and kept quiet. Whenever I or anyone needed help though, it was the man with the strangely decorated hands that eagerly reached out to offer sincere assistance without question while others simply watched. I came to realize that actions, not words or appearance, are what set those who follow Christ apart from those who don’t. 

In today’s parable, Jesus compares humans to fruit trees, reminding us that we can tell the character of people by what sort of loving results they produce in their lifetime. It’s from whatever good the heart stores up that leads the hands to respond.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to look into a person’s heart for the truth, as You do.