IFTTT Autopost 
On this 8thSunday in Ordinary Time, we have two Scripture passages that show us how what a person does and says reflect what is inside that person.
In the Gospel selection for today, for example, we encounter Jesus’ words: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thorn bushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6: 43-45).
This Gospel passage beautifully reflects today’s Old Testament selection from Sirach which says, in part, “The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind. Praise no one before he speaks, for it is then that people are tested” (Sirach 27: 6-7).
These passages are very profound, for they capture something that we can observe all around us. Have you ever met people who are very beautiful on the outside, but as soon as they begin to speak, they become uglier and uglier? Of course, you have, as have I! On the other hand, we have all had the opposite experience, meeting people who seem very average, but when they speak, they sparkle because of their simplicity, compassion, common sense, humility, or whatever.
There is much to reflect upon in these Scripture passages. Let’s get to it!
