Memorial of St. Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr

Today's Mass Readings

We often tend to judge ourselves and our worth by the results of our work and our accomplishments. I admit, I’m guilty. While I may fall into this mindset often, I don’t think it’s very helpful to us. Jesus says, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.” Our first concern should be whether or not we are a “good tree.” What I mean by that is: Do you desire God? Do you want to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, according to your state in life? If your desire is there, that’s a good start. We want to make sure first that our hearts are in the right place before anything else. In spiritual direction, I want to see if the other has a strong foundational awareness that God loves them. If so, that is a strong and firm foundation upon which you can build.

What is good fruit? Unless our lives and work are associated with serious sin, then maybe we should step back and not be the one to assess whether or not our work is bearing good or bad fruit. Good fruit does not mean success. In their lifetime, many saints looked like their earthly missions were absolute failures. Jesus on Good Friday did not look like He was flourishing. Good fruit seems to be more likened to a firm commitment to do the will of God. We don’t always know what the will of God is, but we can still desire to carry it out. Are you desiring success or wanting to please God?

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB