THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of Twelfth week in Ordinary Time, 2021

Gen15:1-12,17-18

Ps 105

Matt 7:15-20

Beware of false Prophets...

Dear friends in Christ, Abram was a man who had great faith and trust in God, something that was reckoned as justifying him. He bore the fruit of faith and was counted as the father of many nations. His seed continues to multiply, not just physically but spiritually too. Jesus warns therefore that it is by the fruit we bear, that we shall also be judged.

In the first reading (Genesis 15:1-12.17-18) God once again assures Abram that he will be richly blessed if he trusts in Him, “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Abram then asked God, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless…” The faith of Abram has no other before it, by which it might be measured. No one is known to have related with this same God, the way he did. His faith looked more like a gamble to the ordinary person. God assured him “…Your own son shall be your heir.” His children will be as many as the stars in the sky and Abram believed, without any child yet. God also promised to give him the land for his possession and again he believed. This was reckoned to him as righteousness. To assure him that the promise will be fulfilled, God asked him to bring some animals and birds for an ancient rite which makes a covenant binding. God came down to his level to assure him of His faithfulness to His promises. God freely bound himself in oath to Abram. Do not be afraid, God will grant yours, be faithful.

Jesus warns in the Gospel of today (Matthew 7:15-20) "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." In our time there are leaders who have basically taken the place of God, making promises upon promises, but leading the people further away from the right path and from the covenant they had with God. Jesus warns that the possession of gifts is not a guarantee that we are pleasing to God. He had warned that on the last day some will come saying they worked miracles in his name and he will say, ‘I do not know you.’ The fact that someone calls himself a prophet is not enough to believe him, there are false prophets out there, who are out like wolves to devour. A Christian must watch carefully not to be led astray. Faith requires that we trust in God, it does not mean that we become gullible.

Let us pray: God, we are sorry that we have transgressed your laws and transgressed ourselves and neighbours in the process. Help us to mend our lives. Amen. 

+Remain blessed