I have always been drawn to the Presentation in the life of Jesus. This is where Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. It is one of the joyful mysteries of the Rosary, demonstrating the fruit of obedience.
This event is where they are met by Simeon who predicts Mary’s sorrows of heart. Simeon prophesied to Mary about Jesus’ destiny, stating that he would cause the fall and rising of many in Israel and that a sword would pierce her own soul.
Jesus came so the inner movements of our heart shall be revealed.
The fruit of our lives becomes apparent not only to us but also to others. If we will keep planting seeds of righteousness, then we will harvest righteousness in our lives. If we sow seeds of bitterness, then bitterness is what we will reap. Paul says it this way in Galatians 6:7, “God will never be mocked! For what you plant will always be the very thing you harvest.”
God, you are a skilled gardener, and I want my life to be full of your fruit. I yield to your leadership, and I submit to your pruning. Show me what needs to be removed and where I need to tend to my own garden, and I will do it. Amen
Smitten With Goodness 