Readings: Genesis 15:1-12.17-18, Psalm 105 and Matthew 7:15-20
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
The difference between a good and evil tree is not its shape, size, age or colour. Instead, it is the fruits it produces. A tree may appear pleasant on the outside, but it is bad if it bears rotten fruit or fails to produce any fruit. It is easy to pretend (to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing), but no matter how much we pretend, our fruits will sell us out.
Jesus told the Samaritan woman: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him.” (John 4:23). When we worship God in spirit and truth, our light would shine – we would bear fruit, but if we are only concerned about putting up appearances, we are no different from the hypocrites that Jesus condemned. Jesus said we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but He also said: “Beware of practising your piety before men to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)
In today’s first reading, Abram is in conversation with God. When God told him to look at the stars and consider their number as a sign for his descendants, Abram believed it completely. His faith in God was credited to him as righteousness. Abram’s faith bore great fruit. The life of Abram continues to inspire both Christians and Jews thousands of years after his death.
We may pretend about everything else, but we can never pretend about our beliefs. What we believe determines the kind of fruits that we bear. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15). We may pretend to love God, but the fruits we would bear are disobedience, immorality, sacrilege, etc. You may lie to yourself about serving God, but that which you try to hide will be exposed in time.
The easiest way to become a false prophet is to make people speak well about you. Let us not forget that this world rejected Jesus – they hated Him and never spoke well about Him. Jesus told us that we would be dismissed and hated because we do not belong to this world. If your primary concern is to earn human admiration, you cannot bear good fruits because you will find yourself dancing to the gallery (compromising your values, following worldly standards). You cannot serve two masters.
Jesus said, “By their fruits, we shall know them.” This does not only apply to persons in religious circles. One does not need to write “engineer” on their forehead to be known as one; they only need to produce engineering works. What do we make of an “author” who has never written a single page? How do we say one is an accountant if they cannot handle financial records? You do not need to announce yourself to anyone; let your actions speak for themselves.
If you desire to bear good fruit, you must make the best of your time when no one is watching. We tend to be at our best when we are in the midst of others (or when we are aware that others are watching us), but when we are alone, we often spend time on frivolous activities – those that do not add any value to us.
You cannot give what you don’t have. Get used to doing what is right when no one is watching. Say the truth, even if no one will ever know you lied. When you are alone, read good books to enrich your mind. Select your entertainment. Learn new skills. Use your quiet time productively, and the world will marvel at the fruits of your labour.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free us from self-deception and pretence. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 12 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 15:1-12.17-18, Psalm 105 and Matthew 7:15-20).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu