The Wise and Foolish Builders

Monday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 & Luke 6: 43 – 49

Reflection Date: September 11, 2021

In today's Gospel, we are placed with two realities of life: tree and its fruits and wise and foolish builders. The fruits of a particular tree reveal the healthy or sickly condition of a tree. So also, a certain tree will bear fruit according to its species. But then the goodness and badness of a fruit depends on the condition of the tree. So also, the words that come out from within a person also reveal the goodness or wickedness of one's heart. In every human, God has placed free will, but then it is a person who has to determine and act accordingly for the welfare of oneself and humanity at large.

Moreover, in the same way, we can see the effect of the Word of God from the fruits produced by its listeners. We hear the Word of God through various opportunities that come on our way: personal reading of the scriptures, listening to the Word of God at Mass or in other prayer services, etc. A superficial listener is like the one who built his house on the sand, which cannot withstand the turbulent moments. He seems to listen to it, but due to the various cares of the world, it does not take roots at all.

The listener who allows the Word to penetrate deep into his or her life is like the one who constructed the house on a rock. Moreover, in the biblical tradition, the rock represents God Himself. God is love. Hence, it is upon the love and grace of God that we can find the strongest foundation for our lives.

A good moment to think, ponder and reflect on our lives.

Joseph Cardozo SJ | Contributor