12 September, Saturday — What Comes Out From the Fullness of Your Heart?

1 Cor 10:14-22
Lk 6:43-49

For a man’s words flow out of what fills his heart

Having encountered all kinds of people in my life, I always make sure I am nice to whoever I meet, no matter who they are and how they act towards me. I reckon that over time, these people will usually reveal their true colours. It is impossible to put on a mask for a long time. That probably explains why some people are very nice and kind in the beginning and then out of the blue, turn hostile towards you and vice versa. While we Catholics know never to judge others, we also know that the fruits which others produce generally are telltale signs of one’s character. But as always, we must exercise caution before coming to a conclusion about someone else’s character, because we do not know their background – where they have come from.

Jesus called us to build the firm foundations of our faith so that it will not be shaken when it eventually gets tested. We all need to rely on the graces and the power of God in order to stand firm, so that others will witness our faith when they themselves have lost their battles, and eventually become converts. We have to be very selective in whom we listen to. For our convictions come from what we have heard and read. That is when our sense of judgment comes in handy. We should turn to the person who can lead us to God and avoid the person who does not lead us to God.

What how about you? What fruit have you produced so far? Will God be pleased when you present your fruits to Him on the last day? Take a moment and reflect on what comes out from the fullness of your heart.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Michael Goo)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the sense of judgment. Help us to not jump to conclusions so that we will not judge others harshly, for we do not want to receive judgment from You too. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the graces and people who have strengthened our faith. Bless them all, we pray. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.