We usually take joy in the works of our hands; in the things we produce. They give us special pride and increase our sense of self-esteem. This joy is most experienced in the possession of offspring. The special joy of old age is the feeling of security in the midst of descendants. The Bible regards it as a special blessing but makes us understand that the power to bear fruit or offspring does not depend on us. It all belongs to God who gives lavishly to those He has chosen and to those who walk with Him.
The fruits we bear, thus, reflect the nature of our relationship with God. It is, thus, through the fruits that our true character is recognized and judged. This is a powerful message from the readings of today, which present to us the promise of many descendants to Abraham and the teaching of Jesus on bearing good fruit.
Abraham’s Descendants
The three major religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam point back to Abraham as their common ancestor. Their adherents identify themselves as children of Abraham either physically or spiritually. Hence, the three religions are regarded in many circles as Abrahamic religions. The apostle Paul tells the Galatians in Gal 3:29: “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.”
This goes back to the promise made to Abraham in today’s first reading from Genesis 15 that his descendants would be as uncountable as the stars. Abraham’s power to generate such innumerable offspring emanated from God alone. He walked with God in righteousness and became abundantly favored and rewarded. That is why God tells him: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great” (Gen 15:1). While Abraham is visibly frustrated by the realities of the present, he is encouraged that what matters is the future glory that will come through his fruits, his innumerable progeny.
Bearing Good Fruit
The theme of bearing fruit looms large in the teachings of Jesus in all the four Gospels. It is a central theme in the parables of the kingdom, as those considered qualified for the kingdom are all who have what it takes to remain fruitful. The kingdom disqualifies barren members. These are those who fail to produce spiritual fruits despite all the spiritual gifts they have received.
In the Gospel of today from Matthew 7, Jesus admonishes his followers that only good trees can bear good fruit, as rotten trees produce only rotten fruits. But both the good and rotten trees are best known and recognized through their fruits. He warns his disciples to beware of false prophets who come with alluring but deceptive promises but have nothing to show.
Fruits are virtuous acts linked to a life of faith. They show themselves in love, kindness, humility and good relationships with God and human beings. The false prophets do not have such fruits but give false appearances of being genuine. The fruitfulness of our religious and spiritual life as Christians depends solely on the nature of our relationship with God. A Christian who does not develop a deep and convinced relationship with Jesus can hardly produce good fruits.
The Hearts That Seek the Lord Rejoice
The psalmist of Psalm 105, which is today’s responsorial psalm, invites the hearts that seek the Lord to rejoice. They are reminded that life is full of God’s wonderful works, His miracles and the manifestations of His loving kindness. This sums up the message of all the readings. Abraham, in his darkest moment, was encouraged to move on despite his hopelessness.
In the same way we are encouraged never to give up at any moment and never to feel frustrated even when we see no immediate rewards for our toils. Jesus invites us with these invigorating words in Matt 11:28: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” There are terrible moments when we feel we are suffering alone. There are moments of boredom and excruciating emptiness when we tend to derive no joy at all from our toils and relationships. These experiences of emptiness show us that we need deeper connections. Any human effort that is not linked with God easily crumbles.
Life remains sweet and fulfilling as long as we recognize our proper divine anchor. This is what St. Augustine of Hippo means when he says that our souls have no rest until they rest in God. This goes back to the words of the psalmist: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain” (Ps 127:1).
