By Their Fruits – Reflection on Matthew 7:15-20
The never-ending echo of Jesus saying, “You will know them by their fruits,” reaches tirelessly into our world, breaking through to those who will hear its truth. You can self-identify your fruiting when you leave your place of sanctuary. For instance, you are not drawn into deceit when you encounter selfishness, deceit, and greed, among other vices. This is because Trinity’s light inside changes you to become virtuous against the tide. Do not fret when your fruit may seem like a drop in the bucket of what is needed. Jesus’s echo continues with, and because of you and others like you, transforming the world with example after example. We can all do our part to help Jesus change greedy, ravenous hearts into hearts of selfless love.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples, James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 7:15-20 – Scripture*
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 7:15-20 Reflection – By Their Fruits.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 7 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: By their fruits.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.