A Pure Heart Produces Good Fruits

In today’s Gospel Jesus challenges us to reflect on the condition of our hearts. He says, “Out of the good treasure of the heart, the good person produces good, and out of  evil treasure, the evil person produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Our words and actions are like fruit from a tree. If the tree is healthy, the fruit will be good. But if the tree is rotten, the fruit will reflect that. This means that our speech, behavior, and interactions with others reveal what truly lies within us. Jesus warns against hypocrisy when He says, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” (Luke 6:41).

It is easy to see the faults of others while ignoring our own. This is a common temptation—we criticize, judge, and condemn others without realizing our own weaknesses. Jesus calls us to first remove the “wooden beam” in our own eyes before trying to correct others. This means we must first undergo personal conversion before seeking to guide others.

The transformation of our hearts is only possible through Christ. Through prayer, the sacraments, and a sincere desire to grow in holiness, we can allow Christ to purify our hearts so that our words and actions reflect His love. As we approach the altar today, let us ask the Lord to cleanse our hearts. May our words and actions reflect the goodness of Christ, so that we may be true witnesses of His love.