GOSPEL POWER | JUNE 23, 2021 | WEDNESDAY | 12th Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel: Mt 7: 15 – 20

Jesus said, “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.”

Reflection

Nature is Jesus’ favorite visual aid because, in its obedience  and faithfulness to the Creator’s design, it maintains its  innate integrity and tells only the truth. It is ironic and sad  that human beings, endowed with high intelligence and freedom,  could use these gifts to lie and deceive. Thus, Jesus warns against false  prophets who pretend to speak in God’s name, but in reality, defy God  by making a prey of others. Nature will unmask them. The quality  of their fruits will reveal the true state of their hearts. A corrupt and  decaying tree can never produce healthy fruits. Nature will never lie.  But, while Jesus asks us to be cautious and keep our eyes open, he  also gives us the promise that deceptions and lies will be dealt with,  in the same way that trees that do not deliver the expected fruits will  be cut down and cast into flames

Prayer

Lord Jesus, grant us a discerning heart that can see through some  people’s misguided attempts to confuse us by blurring the distinction  between good and evil. Amen