Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 25 June ’25. Tree and Fruit

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 25 June 2025

Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18. Matthew 7:15-20

Tree and Fruit

“Every good tree bears good fruit.”

Jesus warns His disciples to be on guard against false prophets. What are “false” things? They are imitations, not authentic. They depend on appearing like something else. They cannot fulfil the purpose of what they pretend to be. A false doctor creates fear instead of healing. A false medicine worsens illness instead of curing it. A counterfeit product deceives us. It looks right but is inwardly broken.

Jesus gives two vivid images:

– a wolf in sheep’s clothing,

– a tree and its fruit.

A sheep and a wolf are completely different. When a wolf wears a sheep’s appearance, the outward form hides a dangerous inner nature. A tree, on the other hand, cannot hide its nature—the fruit reveals it. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit. The fruit always matches the tree.

We bear good fruit only through the grace of the Holy Spirit. By uniting us to the true vine, Jesus empowers us to bear spiritual fruit—love, joy, and peace (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 736). Our life bears fruit when shared with others. Joy and hope passed on to others become lasting fruit (Christus Vivit, 108).

Two challenges arise: (a) While being cautious of false prophets, how often are we ourselves false? (b) Why do our words and actions sometimes contradict each other?

If we want to change what is on the outside, the transformation must begin within.

The fruit shows what kind of tree it is. A person’s words and actions reveal their inner heart. While thoughts may remain hidden, once they become words or deeds, they show who we truly are. If our inner nature is renewed, our words and deeds will reflect that goodness.

Often, we try to change only our behaviour. But unless our inner nature is transformed, any outward change will be short-lived. For example, if someone stops stealing but remains greedy within, the change won’t last. Only when greed itself is removed will the outer life truly change.

In the first reading, we see Abraham struggling with impatience. Though God had promised him a future, Abraham fears the delay. He wonders if his servant will inherit everything. He begins to doubt whether God’s word and action might contradict each other. But soon, he realizes—God is not divided. God is faithful.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Abide in Me, as I abide in you. Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)

The one who abides in Jesus bears good fruit and lives truthfully. He or she has no need to pretend. There is no falsehood. Only fruitful, faithful living.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy