Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Hanaq Pachap Kusikuynin, a hymn in the Quechua language of South America, a beautiful prayer which I might make my own as I listen now: “Bliss of heaven: a thousand times I adore you. Tree of uncountable fruits. Hope of the peoples. Pillar of the weak. Listen to my prayer.”

Hanacpachap cussicuinin,

Huaran cacta muchas caiqui.

Yupairuru pucocmallqui,

Runa cunap suyacuinin.

Callpannacpa quemicuinin,

Huaciascaita.

Uyarihuai muchascaita

Diospa rampan Diospamaman

Yurac tocto hamancaiman

Yupascalla, collpascaita

Huahuaiquiman suyuscaita

Ricuchillai.

Heaven's joy!

a thousand times shall we praise you.

O tree bearing thrice-blessed fruit,

O hope of humankind,

helper of the weak.

hear our prayer!

Attend to our pleas,

O column of ivory, Mother of God!

Beautiful iris, yellow and white,

receive this song we offer you;

come to our assistance,

show us the Fruit of your womb.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. For today’s reading, let’s take an imaginative moment to join the disciples. As you sit quietly, attentively, among the disciples, listen to Jesus speak these words. Jesus paints a picture that illustrates his deep concern for his followers. These are words to remember. Let his words echo in your heart.

Matthew 7:15-20

‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.’

Take a moment to reflect: who or what are you allowing to influence you today?

Where do you find the help to respond to the influences around you?

What influences and graces do you offer others?

Even in today’s urban world, the image of the healthy and diseased trees may be easy to call to mind. How do you see these ‘trees’ growing in your own life?

As you hear the passage again, be attentive to the fruits of your life.

Matthew 7:15-20

‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.’

“Thus, you will recognise them by their fruits.”

Take a moment with the Lord who always cares for you; asking for the wisdom and courage you need today.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen