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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider By their fruits you will know them

By their fruits you will know them

Published Jun 27, 2023 04:18 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY


In the Gospel, Jesus warns the people of false prophets who may appear meek as sheep but in reality are wild as wolves. In addition, Jesus uses the analogy of grapes as good trees that bear good fruit, and thornbushes as bad trees that produce only thistles. He uses this image to describe the impact of the false prophets on the lives of the community. Since false prophets take the appearance of good, they are to be judged by the “rotten fruits” that they produce by their evil acts. As believers and followers of Christ, we need to be vigilant so as not to be trapped by the message of false prophets of our time. We need to announce the message of truth and goodness in season and out of season, especially to the younger generations who are bombarded by conflicting messages. How rooted are we in our faith so that we will not be carried away by false messages? Are we passionate enough to share this faith by our words and actions in our family, workplace, and community?

Gospel • 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 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.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*

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