Reflecting on today’s Gospel from Luke 6:43–45 for the Memorial of St. Peter Chrysologus, I was reminded of the opening lines of The Imitation of Christ: “‘He who follows Me walks not in darkness,’ says the Lord (Jn 8:12). By these words of Christ we are urged to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart. Let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ.” (Book 1, Chapter 1)
Jesus makes it clear that God desires more than just adherence to a moral code—He desires a relationship of love with each of us. It is this love that transforms our hearts and, in turn, bears fruit in our words and actions. Often, we struggle to live the Christian life because we focus only on outward behavior, neglecting to nourish the love of God planted deep within us.
The life of Jesus teaches us not only through His words but also through His example. He regularly turned to prayer—both communal and personal—to remain rooted in the Father’s love. We are invited to do the same.
Word, Sacrament, and Service—these are the ways we tend the soil of our hearts, allowing God’s love to grow and bear good fruit. From the abundance of a heart filled with God, our lips speak, and our lives witness to the transforming power of Christ.
Living in Love with God 
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