Jesus emphasises the main criterion for recognising the fruitfulness of the tree: noting what fruit it produces.
He also refers to the heart of every creature that says, says... but does not do.
Listen or don't listen!
The first rests on the Rock that He is, the second on not wanting to put His Word into practice, with the consequent ruin of each one.
Francis, the Little One of Assisi, drew goodness from his new heart. He was a fruitful tree, recognisable by his fruits.
In fact, the Sources inform us of an episode that bears witness to this:
"After several months had passed, Francis was staying at the church of the Porziuncola, and he was near the cell that stands behind the house, along the road, when that friar returned to speak to him about the psalter.
Francis said to him, 'Go and do as your Minister tells you'.
At these words, the friar began to return the way he had come.
But the Saint, remaining on the road, began to reflect on what he had said, and suddenly cried out after him:
"Wait for me, brother, wait for me!"
He went up to him and said:
"Come back with me, brother, and show me the place where I told you to do what the minister will tell you about the psalter."
When they reached that place, Francis bowed before the friar and, kneeling down, said:
"My fault, brother, my fault! Anyone who wants to be a 'minor' must have nothing but a tunic, a cord and breeches, as the Rule says, and in addition footwear, for those who are constrained by obvious necessity or illness."
He gave the same answer to all the friars who came to consult him on the subject.
He said: "A MAN KNOWS AS MUCH AS HE DOES; AND A RELIGIOUS IS AS GOOD A PREACHER AS HE ACTS".
As if to say: "A GOOD TREE IS KNOWN BY THE FRUIT IT PRODUCES" (FF 1628).
«Every tree is known by its fruit [...]
But why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?» (Lk 6:44a, 46)
Saturday of the 23rd wk. in Ordinary Time (Lk 6:43-49)
