Jesus gives us one of the most practical pieces of advice in all of Scripture when He tells us to judge people by their fruits. It's like having a divine quality control inspector's manual for life! "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:15-16). This isn't Jesus being pessimistic about humanity - quite the opposite. He's giving us the tools to recognize authentic goodness and holiness when we see it, while protecting us from those who would lead us astray. The beauty of this teaching is its simplicity: good trees produce good fruit, bad trees produce bad fruit. It's gardening wisdom meets spiritual discernment, and it works every time.
But here's where it gets delightfully challenging - this fruit inspection isn't just about evaluating others; it's about examining our own branches! As Catholics, we're called to be those good trees that produce good fruit through the grace of God. The sacraments nourish our roots, prayer waters our souls, and acts of charity become the visible fruit that others can see and taste. When we live out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, when we show patience with difficult people, when we choose forgiveness over resentment - that's the kind of fruit that makes people curious about the tree that produced it. Our lives become a gentle but powerful form of evangelization, inviting others to ask, "What makes this person different?"
The Catholic understanding of this passage is beautifully rooted in our belief that we're not saved by works alone, but that authentic faith naturally produces good works through God's grace. We're not trying to earn our way to heaven by manufacturing perfect fruit - we're allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out so that goodness flows naturally from our union with Him. This takes the pressure off while still calling us to excellence. It's like being part of God's family orchard, where each tree is lovingly tended by the Master Gardener, pruned when necessary, and celebrated when the harvest comes in. We're not competing with other trees; we're all working together to feed a hungry world.
So, how do we follow Jesus in this fruit-bearing adventure? Start small and stay connected to the Vine. Attend Mass regularly, try to go to a frequent confession - monthly might be a great start, daily prayer as you start your day and throughout your day, and acts of service keep our roots deep and our branches strong. Look for the fruit in others - celebrate it, learn from it, and let it inspire you. When you encounter bad fruit, respond with compassion rather than condemnation, remembering that even the most barren tree can be restored by the Master's touch. Most importantly, trust that God is working in you, through you, and sometimes despite you to produce fruit that will last. The world needs what you have to offer, and Jesus is delighted to work through ordinary people like us to accomplish extraordinary things. After all, the best fruit often comes from the most unlikely trees!
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
