Daily Reflection
September 12, 2026

In today’s gospel we hear the parable of the healthy tree bearing good fruit while the bad tree produces bad fruit. Thorny vines do not produce sweet grapes. This means that a person’s true character cannot be masked. Their inner values dictate how they live and treat others.

I was recently engaged in conversation with a group of friends. We were talking about how fortunate we are to have each other—true friends who aren’t afraid to share ‘hard truths’ with each other when needed. We’ve laughed with each other, cried with each other and shared differing perspectives with each other—even when it’s hard. I’m grateful to have this group, along with my professional ‘committee.’ My committee is a group of colleagues who I’ve known professionally, and some on a more personal level who I can turn to for wisdom, guidance and opinion. This is a reciprocal relationship and confidentiality is a given. Another group I’m grateful for. Why do I share this? Because, we help hold each other accountable for walking our talk. I believe that we are good people, with good values, but at times outside forces can disease healthy trees, so our groups serve as preventive care, or vaccines. They keep us well and true to our values.

I was recently engaged in conversation with a group of friends. We were discussing experiences we have all had with organizations that claim to be mission focused. Thousands, if not millions of dollars are spent sharing with the public the wonderful, mission related things that said organizations do—and many of them are doing really great things. However, we all shared personal experiences in which these organizations and even specific leaders made decisions that were contrary to the very charisms that the organizations have been built on. Some actions actually harmed the very people who worked so hard to actually carry out organizational missions and make the organizations better places. Some in this group are leaders in business and have had to make tough decisions. We all agreed that it’s important to have some kind of process in place in which we regularly examine our personal character, spirituality and making sure we act as such. This is how one may go about living authentically. Righteous words mean little if one’s life and daily habits produce spoiled harmful ‘fruit.’ 

Jesus goes on to remind us that those who listen to his words, and act on them are like:

“That one is like a man building a house, 
who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; 
when the flood came, the river burst against that house 
but could not shake it because it had been well built.”

As I reflect on the readings, it seems that this goes nicely with the parable of the healthy trees and vines. We must not only listen to God’s words, but ACT on them. If we do this, we will have strength that cannot be shaken. It seems to me that we will have everything we need to make good decisions that aren’t harmful. We will have the ability to care for others and live with kindness.

Take time to consider other perspective on issues, think about who could be impacted by my actions. How would I like to be treated? Pray for guidance. Consult your committee. Finally, what would Jesus do?