The Gospel According to Matthew 7:15-20
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 thorn bushes, 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.”
Reflection: Have you ever trusted someone, like a close friend, only to end up making a poor decision that you later regretted? I have. When I was in my twenties. I needed a car but didn’t have a lot of money to spend. A close friend of mine knew someone that had a ‘great’ deal on a used car. He said this car that was in perfect condition. The body was spotless, and he had all the service records to prove that it was kept in perfect running condition from this original owner. I test drove it and it ran great. But for some reason, unknown to me, something seemed amiss. But he convinced me that this was a great deal and my friend also convinced me that he was an honest man. Done deal! Sold, no warranty implied. Well 2 months later as I jumped into it to go to work in wouldn’t start. After 2 attempts, I thought I would try it one more time. Boom, the engine literally blew up! And all of a sudden, my so-called friend avoided my phone calls. Lessen learned the hard way.
Today Jesus warns us about those false prophets who promise you the world but are only looking out for themselves. There is an old saying, “If something seems ‘to good to be true. It probably isn’t. They disguise themselves as something very good for you, but in reality, there is nothing right with the situation. Learn to trust in your instincts, that little voice inside you that says, “There is something wrong here”. Look at the whole picture, ask questions that will help you see the ‘good’ fruit in a person or a situation. If you’re not truly convinced, think on it, don’t make that snap decision.
By their fruits you will know them.
Action of the Day: By our Baptism we are anointed Priest, Prophet, and King. Be the Prophet that speaks of the truth about God. Learn from the scriptures so that you can go out and evangelize by telling others about the good news truthfully and honestly. Let others see, by your actions, YOUR good fruit.
Audio Reflection:
Excellent, George