A WORD FROM FR JAYBEE

A tree is known by its fruit Greetings of peace brothers and sisters... In our world, many people claim that they are good, noble, kind, and philanthropist. It is also common nowadays to hear people praise themselves, rather than waiting for other people to speak about them. On the other hand, people also judge others by their looks. But olden wisdom has proved it wrong. We cannot judge a person by their mere appearance. It takes time to know others, of who they are and what they are. Jesus said “By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Mt 7:16). An old quote says ‘A tree is known by its fruit’ which means we can identify what kind of tree is in front or is around us through its fruit. In the same way, we cannot judge or know a person by their looks or appearance but rather by knowing him/her through the consistency of his/her words and actions. As a nature of my work, I am assigned in different places. I moved from town to town. Every time I arrived in the place of my assignment, I started meeting people. They started telling me about the place, which is really good and I’m really grateful. And I am grateful to God that I met heaps of good people and good friends. Even Jesus warned his disciples that a good follower of his will bear plenty/much fruit. It is not just ordinary fruit, but GOOD FRUIT. For those who remained in him will bear much fruit but those who separate or cut themselves from him will not bear fruit and die. “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Mt 7:17-18). The old quote, ‘a tree is known by its fruit’, reminds us not to be quick in judging others and making decisions. There is a need to be gradual in making decisions and judgments in everything we do. This old quote also helps us to know who we really are as we ask ourselves, ‘Am I a good employee?’ ‘Am I a good citizen?’ ‘Am I a good follower/ disciple of Jesus?’ ‘Am I a good Christian?’ etc. Then, we know the answers of these questions through the fruit of our actions – our GOOD WORKS/DEEDS. God bless us all...