Gospel

From the Gospel according to Matthew7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,but underneath are ravenous wolves.By their fruits you will know them.Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut downand thrown into the fire.So by their fruits you will know them.”

The Gospel of the Lord

The Tree of the Heart

Jesus teaches us that a healthy tree produces good fruit, while a rotten tree gives bad fruit. So how is my heart? Not just my surface emotions, but deep inside—what part of me is wounded? Because that’s what prevents me from bearing good fruit.

Lord, today You remind me how important it is to be aware and not fooled by appearances. It’s not my husband’s actions, the circumstances, or outside difficulties that stop me from producing good fruit—it’s my own wounded heart.

What am I doing about it? Am I turning to Your grace, working with the Holy Spirit to heal my heart so I can bear good fruit? Am I supporting my husband in healing the broken parts of his heart? You, Lord, love us deeply and want our marriage to overflow with good fruit. You’re warning us not to be deceived and to look honestly at what flows from our hearts.

I want to do all I can to heal my heart and help my husband heal his too—so that our marriage will grow and flourish.

Applied to marriage Life:

(Sandra remembers a past moment with her mother-in-law and speaks with Hector)

Sandra: Love, I need your support. I keep thinking about what your mom said, and it’s making me upset. I feel like I should have said something back…

Hector: Sweetheart, it’s just a temptation. I’m so proud of you. I saw how hard it was for you to stay quiet, and I know how much effort you make to love and accept my mom.

Sandra: I know, but still…

Hector: Why bring it up again? That’s in God’s hands now. I know there’s a wound in your heart, but with God’s grace, it will heal and bear beautiful fruit.

Sandra: Thank you so much for supporting me. I don’t know what I’d do without you. And I’m sorry for dwelling on the past again!

Mother Mary,

Teach us to be alert and caring, just like you always were. Blessed are you forever!