Pritam Dangwar csc –
Readings: 2 Kgs 22:8-13,23:1-3; Mt 7:15-20
The first reading speaks of the law of the Lord that enkindled against the king and the people of Judah and Jerusalem because their fathers had not obeyed God’s commandments and statutes with all their hearts, soul, and mind.
In the reading, the attitude of the king made a huge difference in the life of the people of Judah and Jerusalem to come to the Lord. The gospel reading talks about the parable of a good tree bearing abundant fruits.
Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets because they would look like us. Jesus gives us a criterion to recognize those people through the work they do. That is why Jesus said, ‘a good tree bears good fruits, and a bad tree bears bad fruits’.
In my life, people will come to mislead me by not being genuine to me, some would appear to be good, but may speak against me behind my back while some others may give me good advice to lead my life to bear good fruits like peace, love, joy, and care and get rid of bad fruits like hatred, jealous, greed, anger, and enmity which would ruin my life.
Jesus strongly says to me not to go by appearances or behaviour of a person but by the true work that aligns with one’s words. It is an invitation for me to follow the right shepherd by hearing his full clear voice.