Daily Gospel Reflection for June 28, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Connie Beckman

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20

“I no longer listen to what people say, I just watch what they do. Behavior never lies.”— Winston Churchill

Jesus is asking us as His followers to discern everything we hear to determine if a person is speaking the Truth or a watered-down version of the Truth. We do this by listening to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit that lives within us will help us to know the truth of what someone is saying.

When I hear a clear message from a homily, the Holy Spirit convicts my heart, and I am moved to put into action what I have heard. On the other hand, when I hear a watered-down version of our faith, I can take what I like and leave the rest.

How do we determine a wolf in sheep’s clothing? You watch how the person is living out his or her faith on a daily basis. You watch what they do, not what they say. A wolf in sheep’s clothing will charm you at first, but their stories and life are full of holes.

We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us discern our actions to see if we are producing good fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Thankfully I am a work in process as I continue to live out my faith every day. I fall short many days. But thanks be to God, we have the sacrament of Reconciliation, where I meet the merciful Savior, who forgives me my sins and gives me the grace to help me bear good fruit.

Ponder:

How can I produce good fruit? Am I reading scripture, praying, receiving Jesus in the Eucharist and going to Confession?

Pray:

Jesus, You know how easily I fall into sin. I desire to produce good fruit. I am asking for an outpouring of Your graces to help live out my faith each day.

Click to tweet:
We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us discern our actions to see if we are producing good fruit. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Connie Beckman

Connie Beckman resides in Helena, Montana, with her husband and is a member of Saint Cyril & Methodious Parish. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects.