March 2, 2025: Rooted in Christ, Bearing Good Fruit, Blessing Others

 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reminds us that "a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit" (Luke 6:43). Our lives as Christians are meant to be deeply rooted in Christ, so that we may bear good fruit and become a blessing to others. But what does it mean to be rooted in Christ? How can we ensure that our lives reflect His goodness?

Rooted in Christ

A tree with deep roots can withstand storms, droughts, and the challenges of nature. Likewise, when we are firmly rooted in Christ, we remain steadfast in faith despite life's difficulties.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells the parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built on the sand. When the storm came, the house on the rock stood firm, while the house on sand collapsed. Being rooted in Christ means building our lives on the solid foundation of His teachings, prayer, and the sacraments.

A young man once struggled with doubts about his faith. He felt overwhelmed by challenges in his career and relationships. One day, he met an elderly priest who told him, "Stay close to Jesus in prayer and Scripture. Just as a tree drinks from deep waters, let your soul drink from the Word of God." Slowly, as he spent more time in prayer and Scripture, he felt his faith strengthening. His circumstances did not change immediately, but his heart became more peaceful. He had found his foundation in Christ.

Bearing Good Fruit

A tree is known by its fruit. A life rooted in Christ will naturally produce virtues such as love, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). But bearing fruit is not an overnight process; it requires effort, pruning, and time.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit." Just as a branch must stay connected to the vine to produce grapes, we must remain in Christ through prayer, the Eucharist, and acts of love. When we do, our lives will reflect His goodness.

A woman in a small town was known for her kindness and generosity. She always had a word of encouragement for the discouraged, food for the hungry, and prayers for the sick. When asked why she was always so joyful, she said, "I spend time with Jesus every morning. He fills my heart, and I just share what He gives me." Her life bore the fruit of love because she remained connected to Christ.

Blessing Others

The fruit we bear is not for ourselves alone. A tree does not eat its own fruit; it provides for others. In the same way, the goodness that flows from a Christ-centered life is meant to bless others.

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, who showed mercy to a wounded stranger. The Samaritan was not focused on himself but on helping someone in need. Likewise, when we bear good fruit, we become instruments of God's love and mercy to those around us.

A businessman once decided to tithe a portion of his earnings to support education for underprivileged children. Over the years, many students completed their schooling through his generosity. One of them, who became a doctor, later said, "I am who I am today because someone chose to bless me. Now, I want to use my career to help others." When we bless others, the impact can multiply beyond what we imagine.

Conclusion

A life rooted in Christ is one that remains steadfast in faith, bears the fruit of love and virtue, and blesses others generously. Let us take time to deepen our roots in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, so that our lives may bear good fruit and become a blessing to the world.

May the Lord help us to remain firmly planted in Him, so that we may bring His love to all we meet. Amen.