Scripture Reading
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Devotional Reflection
Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been guiding us inward — toward humility, trust, and purity of heart.
But the spiritual life doesn’t remain hidden forever.
Eventually, what grows inside us becomes visible.
And today Christ offers a simple way to discern what is genuine.
Look at the fruit.
Fruit can’t be forced.
It grows naturally from the health of the tree.
In the same way, love, patience, mercy, and humility grow from a heart rooted in God.
But when bitterness, pride, or cruelty dominate our lives, they reveal something deeper within.
The fruit tells the story of the tree.
Lent invites us to ask an honest question:
What fruit has been appearing in my life?
• Is my speech growing kinder?
• Is my patience growing stronger?
• Is my compassion growing deeper?
Transformation is slow — but fruit eventually appears.
Fruit grows when the roots are healthy.
Today, focus less on outward behavior and more on the roots of the heart.
• Prayer nourishes the roots.
• Scripture strengthens them.
• Repentance clears away what chokes them.
Healthy roots produce healthy fruit.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Plant Your truth deeply in my heart.
Remove what prevents good fruit from growing.
Help my life reflect patience, kindness, and mercy.
And let the fruit of my life point others toward You.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.