Since if all the tree’s life goes into the wagging tongues of waving leaves, how can there be any fruit? Deeds, not mere words, are acceptable to God and are the best kind of example to neighbour. “The fruit” of sin is shame and death (Epistle), while the fruit of sanctity is life everlasting. “By their fruits” shall you know false teachers of false Christians (Gospel).
All that God has created is good. Actually, when we look at all things we must likewise see that they are good. Somehow, we also see much evil in the world today. This presents a dilemma for us, as we try to discern the moral from the immoral.
The Gospel for the VII Sunday after Pentecost presents us with a key to aid us in unraveling this dilemma. “By their fruits you will know them.” Everything is good, but what makes some things sinful is the disordered will of men. When we take something good and use it badly or for an evil purpose, then we produce evil fruit. The fault does not lie within the material object itself, but rather in the will of man.
Not so much what one “says” about the Lord, but he who “does” His Will, brings forth good fruit. The Holy Eucharist Is the “health giving” (Postcommunion) fruit of Calvary, to counteract the poison laden “Dead Sea” fruit of the world.
Today is Feast of St. Apollinaris E. M., first Bishop of Ravenna, who was a missionary to that region in about 200. In the Martyr’s Mass commemoration of St. Liborius E. C. is made, who died in 397 and played a big role in establishing Christianity in Gaul. Although the Saints are not commemorated in the 1962 rubrics of the Mass, pray to the Saints to fight evil in our times and convert others to the Church.