GOSPEL POWER l JUNE 22, 2022 

Wednesday of  Week in Ordinary Time

Saints John Fisher, bishop and Thomas More, martyrs, Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop

Gospel: Mt 7:15-20 

Jesus said, 15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will know them by their fruits.” 

Jesus evokes a most elementary and foolproof lesson from nature to teach us how to unmask evil that comes to us in the guise of good. Truth can never be suppressed and will always find a way to reveal itself. The true intentions of the heart are unmasked by the quality of a person’s deeds. Attempts to fake results and project a good appearance will, in the long run, backfire on the deceiver. Nature cannot but reflect the integrity of its Maker. 

Lord Jesus, keep us attuned to your Holy Spirit, that we may become people of discernment. Amen.