My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us very beautiful images and teaches us about good character in our Christian life.

1. Our relationship with God brings about the production of good fruit. The fruit reveals the nature of the tree. Jesus says” A good tree does not produce bad fruit. A bad tree does not produce good fruit.” To judge a tree's fruit, we look, especially, at one particular moment---the period of production, or what we call harvest. In the same way, the quality of a Christian life reflects the heart of the man. Here, Jesus calls upon the treasure of our heart to reflect inner character. Our speech and actions are determined by the quality of our soul that produces them. By linking the heart and the fruit, our motives and actions are tied together.

If we want to produce good fruit, our motives must be clear and our focus must be on Christ, so that our choice will be directed toward our final goal---to union with Him. We also hope to be continually converted to Christ and to gradually renew our life, so that we can harvest our spiritual fruit in due season.

2. Jesus challenges us to be faithful in our life, as his disciples. Jesus says "Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" How can we recognize Jesus as our Lord, and call him Master, and then not follow through on the commitment to walk with him? We can meditate on Our Lady as a perfect model in following her Son, Jesus Christ, as a true disciple. She “kept all the things (of Jesus) in her heart.” (LUKE 2: 51)

3.Jesus reminds us that he is our true foundation. He uses the parable of the two houses. One is built on rock, the other on sand. One builder dug deeply and laid the foundation on a rock. A secure foundation takes work. The hard work is worth it, because in the storm this house stands strong and secure. Nothing shakes it. Let us remember Jesus is our rock and sure foundation. We are able to continue standing during the trials of this world.

Today we especially bring to mind our Mother in Heaven. Through the prayers of Our Lady, help us to free ourselves from all evil on earth and lead us to eternal joy in heaven.