“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Saturday, 16th September2017.
Twenty Third Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Sts. Pope Cornelius and Bishop Cyprian, Martyrs
1 Tim 1: 15-17;
Ps 112: 1-7;
Lk 6: 43-49
Jesus often takes examples from the nature and explains the values of the kingdom of God. In the Gospel today we have the parable of the fig tree and grapes. The fig tree was the symbol of fertility, prosperity and peace. Grapes produced wine, the symbol of joy. Jesus uses this imagery and explains to his followers that a tree is known by its fruits. Likewise a person will produce good or bad fruit depending on what is sown in the heart. Those who live by the Spirit of God produce good fruits like: joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5: 22- 23). Those who are sincere to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God who supplies the grace to live as his true disciples.
The Gospel also reveals the importance of a solid foundation for life. When a foundation is solid it often goes unnoticed and there is little concern during storms at any time. The same is true of our spiritual foundation. The spiritual foundation we are called to have is one of deep faith grounded in prayer. Our foundation is our daily communication with Christ. In that prayer Jesus Himself becomes the foundation for our life. And when He is the foundation of our life, nothing can harm us and nothing can keep us from fulfilling our mission in life. A weak foundation is one that relies upon oneself as the source of stability and strength in times of hardship. Those who attempt this approach are fools who learn the hard way that they cannot endure any storm life throws at them.
Reflect, today, upon how well the foundation of your life has been built. Recommit yourself to a life of deep prayer so that Christ Jesus will be the solid rock foundation of your life.
Prayer: Lord, You are my rock and my strength. You alone support me through all things in life. Help me to rely upon You even more, so that I may daily accomplish all that You call me to do. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.