We have our king: Jesus, the Anointed One, the Chosen One, Our Lord and Savior. The kingdom we seek is not of this world. This Eucharistic realm is the culmination of the faith journey made by those who call themselves Christians. Scripture is our guide: the life and words of Christ. His Body and Blood are our sustenance and shield.

In six short verses from Mathew’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a simple guide to help us remain on salvation’s path: as we watch and listen to those telling us how to live, do not focus on honeyed words or actions that appear positive or ‘good.’ Look at what they leave behind: what is their real legacy; what ‘fruit’ do they bear? We are told twice, “By their fruits, you will know them.”

Second Kings tells the story of Josiah, King of Judah: anointed at eight, he ruled for 31 years and doubled the kingdom’s size. His deeds for God and God’s people were great. Josiah orders that all precious offerings in Solomon’s Temple be melted down and made into coins to pay for materials, workers, and master crafts persons to restore and refurbish God’s neglected and deteriorating House.

A miraculous find occurs during this restoration: a great and wonderful Book of the Law, which tells in detail God’s gift to Moses and the wonderful Covenant between God and the Chosen people. Josiah shares the lost Book with all the people; they stand with him to renew the sacred covenant. Marvel at the legacy, the great “fruits” of Josiah’s reign: proper worship is restored, and the Covenant and the Law settle deep within the hearts and minds of the people!

What “good fruit” will you bear? What is your legacy before the Lord?

Let us pray:

Dear God, fortify us with your words and the nourishment of your Holy Eucharist to labor tirelessly in your vineyards to bring forth your Eucharistic kingdom. Amen.