Father, today's reading is a sharp reminder that there is a principle design sewn into the fabric of the Universe that You created, and that is, fruit produced comes from the seed planted. While it would be easier to look at the consistency of fruit produced by others, I also need to be aware of the fruit that I produce in my own Life. What is the impact of my character? What is the consistency of the fruit I produce? Am I consistent? Jesus gave us a fairly simple test to check a person's character or how to spot false teachers and basically He said, "Check their fruit." What do they produce? Insects and bagworms typically do not infest and infiltrate a well-tended and manicured environment. At all times I must cultivate, plant, water, grow and produce Good fruit through myself, especially if I expect others to do the same. At the same time, I need to be aware of those who pretend to produce Good fruit but have no track record. My spiritual DNA comes from You, so by Divine Inheritance I have inherited Your Good traits. I know that my Good character is something that I have to nurture, shape and produce through my own attentiveness and initiative. Thank You for such an awesome awareness today.

Through Jesus Christ's Most Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face, I thank You for this awareness. Amen~

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 7:15-20

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 So, every sound tree bears Good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit.

18 A sound tree cannot bear evil 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."

The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ