vocal fruit
“The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does a man’s speech disclose the bent of his mind.” —Sirach 27:6
Today’s Mass readings mention fruit and speech. Our speech reveals the condition, good or wicked, of our heart and mind (Lk 6:45; Sir 27:6). Our words bear good or wicked fruit in the lives of our children, spouse, neighbors, and co-workers. That fruit shows how careful we have been in our speech (Sir 27:6).
Is our speech bearing fruit? Will our words bear good fruit or bad fruit? Even in old age our words can bear fruit (Ps 92:15). Our words are creative, much like God’s (see Gn 1:1-26). What fruit has been created by our words? Is it the fruit of bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, and division? Or is it the fruit of love, peace, encouragement, unity, and numerous disciples?
When Jesus was on trial before the Sanhedrin, He asked, “Why do you question Me? Question those who heard Me when I spoke. It should be obvious that they will know what I said” (Jn 18:21). Similarly, the fruit produced by our life is evident to those who have heard our speech. Their lives will bear witness to what we have said to them. We are to be held accountable for every word we have spoken (Mt 12:36). If an investigator was to question those who heard what you have spoken over the years, what verdict would that investigator reach? Would the fruit of our words acquit us or condemn us? (Mt 12:37)
Prayer: Father, teach me “what to say and how to speak” (Jn 12:49). May Your words take deep root in me so that my words may bear abundant and lasting fruit for You.
Promise: “They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age; vigorous and sturdy shall they be.” —Ps 92:14-15
Praise: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High” (Ps 92:2).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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