Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So, by their fruits you will know them."
Breaking the text open:
The gospel reading for today, Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time and the commemoration of the Memorial of St. Irenaeus, continues our reading of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In today’s text, Jesus warns that not everyone who proclaims themselves a prophet or one purported to be serving the LORD truly is. Jesus tells us that we can know for certain by the fruit of their lives, their words, and their deed.
Meditating on the text:
Am I producing “good fruit” as a disciple? Do I seek to discern the LORD’s will for me and my life and my encounters with others?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, I open myself to your loving presence as I seek to discern your will for me. Guide me in my words and deeds so that I might be true reflection of your loving power and presence. Grant that my life may produce “good fruit” to your glory and praise. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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