16 September, 2023 | Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

 Gospel Lk 6:43-49

Improve your Life, beginning today

Gospel Text:

Jesus said to his disciples:

"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.

For people do not pick figs from thornbushes,

nor do they gather grapes from brambles.

A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good,

but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil;

for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command?

I will show you what someone is like who comes to me,

listens to my words, and acts on them.

That one is like a man building a house,

who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock;

when the flood came, the river burst against that house

but could not shake it because it had been well built.

But the one who listens and does not act

is like a person who built a house on the ground

without a foundation.

When the river burst against it,

it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed."

Reflection

 

The individual who constructed his house on the rock was able to remain firm when faced with the flood. In today’s gospel, Jesus explains that the difference between the houses that collapse and those that remain standing has to do with the quality of the foundation. It’s true also with our lives. If we build our lives on the Lord, the Lord will enable us to hold together when the great tests come along, whatever form they might take. Jesus says, ‘Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and acts on them’ are wise, and he/she can withstand any difficulty in life. The Lord wants to be the foundation of our lives. When we permit Jesus to guide our lives, we bear good fruits that bring joy to those around us. Our presence becomes a source of great blessing for others.

Activity: 

Are you just drifting through life or have a planned one?