“Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited to him as an act of righteousness.” This line is from today’s first reading from Genesis 15. St. Paul also recounts it in his Letter to the Romans, chapter 4. When we put our faith in God, it will be credited to us as righteousness as well.
In our Gospel reading from Matthew 7, Jesus warns 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.” The first thing we have to understand is what a prophet is. A prophet is not necessarily someone who foretells the future. Some certainly did that. But a prophet is someone who speaks for and of God. Jesus Christ came as priest, prophet and king.
By our baptism, we are called to participate in the prophetic ministry of Jesus. Meaning: you are a prophet. Now the question is, are you a true prophet, or a false prophet. Are you leading people closer to Christ, or away from them? Are you speaking the truth (a true prophet), or are you saying things that people want to hear that are contrary to the gospel (a false prophet)? Look, a false prophet can be well-intentioned. They can believe what they are saying is true. That doesn’t make it true, though. We must know the truth and speak the truth, so that our fruit will be good.
Father, keep us always true to the teachings of Christ and His Church, that we may be true prophets and always bear good fruit. Amen.
To speak the truth, we must know the truth. You can learn the truths of the faith in a minute with A Minute in the Church, available at www.GusLloyd.com.
Love you Gus. You teach me daily.
Amen brother, keep speaking the truth, gifted to you from the Holy Spirit. There is never been a greater need in our world today. God’s blessings be with you always!