Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
How do we determine what is of God and what is not? We must look to the fruits. In the second reading today from the Book of James, he says “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits.”
And there you have it. If we want to know where to go and who to follow — look for the signs of wisdom that James just listed above.
These are the signs of Jesus, who is from God. Jesus is peaceable, gentle, compliant to the Father’s will, full of mercy and filled with good fruits.
Those who follow Jesus, those who are attached to his vine, will also show the same qualities. In addition, they have the fruits of the Holy Spirit. This is the kind of people we should aspire to be.
As for those who wage war for selfish motives, those who kill the innocent, and those who fight others with harsh, unkind, uncaring words — we pray for them, but we do not join with them. These are the ones who would seek to put even Jesus to death.
Let’s follow those who are gentle and filled with compassion. Above all, as we follow Jesus, the Wisdom of God, Son of God, and our Savior, may we strive to become more like him.
Have a blessed week everyone.