A TREE IS KNOWN BY ITS FRUIT

Homily for the Eight Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Sirach 27:4-7; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45

The readings of this eight Sunday invite us to reflect on the power of words and their connection to the state of our hearts. The readings remind us that if we wish to live as true disciples of Christ, then we must ensure that our words, thoughts, and actions are rooted in a heart purified by God’s grace.

The first reading from the Book of Sirach uses powerful imagery to show that speech reveals a person’s true character. First, the author of the Book of Sirach says that “When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear.” Just as shaking a sieve separates the good grain from the useless husks, our words expose what is hidden in our hearts. Second, he says that “The test of a person is in his conversation.” Just as a potter’s clay is tested in the fire, our speech reveals whether we are wise or foolish.

This passage of the Bible challenges us to sincerely respond to the following questions: What do our words say about us? Do we speak with kindness or bitterness? Do we build others up with our words, or do we tear them down? Are our words truthful, kind, and necessary? In a world where gossip, lies, slander, false accusations, and harsh criticisms are common, we are called to speak words that reflect the love of Christ.

Our words cannot reflect the love of Christ if our heart is not purified by the grace of Christ. This is because it is from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks and a good tree does not bear rotten fruit (Luke 6:45). In other words, our speech is a reflection of who we truly are inside. If a person is filled with love, humility, and faith, their words and actions will reflect it. But if a person harbors hatred, jealousy, and dishonesty, it will show in their speech and behavior.

Jesus invites us to be authentic disciples whose words and actions flow from a heart transformed by grace. He says, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” This reminds us that before we correct others, we must ensure that we ourselves are walking in the light of truth. Many times, we criticize others while failing to recognize our own faults. Jesus warns against hypocrisy: “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” This is not to say that we should never correct others, but that our correction must come from a place of love and self-awareness. 

The FALL of man brought disharmony in creation. That's why as a result of our fallen and corrupt nature, it is often difficult for what we say and do, to be all in harmony. But then, in the second reading, St. Paul offers us a message of hope: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” He reminds us that, through Christ, we are victorious over sin, death, and everything that corrupts our hearts. This means that we are not helpless before our weaknesses. If anger, envy, or pride have taken root in our hearts, we do not have to remain in that condition. Through prayer, the sacraments, and a deep relationship with God, we can allow God’s grace to purify our hearts so that our words and actions reflect his love.

Lastly, if we want others to follow Christ, our own lives must reflect his love. Our words and actions flow from the state of our hearts. As such, if our hearts are filled with the love of Christ, then, our speech and conduct will naturally bear good fruit. Let us ask the Lord today to purify our hearts, so that, like good trees, we may bear fruits of love, peace, and righteousness in the world. Amen.