Fruits

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Ps 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40; Mt 7:15-20

Psalmist Request

In our readings today the psalmist makes for us the prayer of obedience.

1. Instruct me on how to observe the law.
2. Help me Discern, observe and keep in the heart.
3. Lead me on the right path.
4. Incline my heart to you, not gain.
5. Turn away my eyes from vain things.
6. Help me Long for Justice.

Summary

Our readings today are covenantal and relational. In the first reading, the reading of the Law, King and subjects, all stand and participate in the promise. Our psalmist reflects the same in a form of prayer and praise of the Torah. In our gospel portion today, Jesus turns the question to the fruitfulness of a way of life. By their fruits you will know them.

Reflection

1. How do we know who will help us with our common prayer and our common covenant with the Lord?
2. Who is true and who is false?
3. Who should we obey to do this thing or that thing?

Personal Reflection

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. If they are disguised, how do we know. So many lead away by sweet promises and easy ways.

The gospel of Luke helps us further understand the fruits instruction.

For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks (LK 6:-44-45).

Can you at least know what is good? Never really asked the question? Hear then this. If what a person does leads you to do good yourself, to aid others in times of duress, then it is likely good. The fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead (Jas 2:26).

Sacred Scripture

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062624.cfm

First Reading

The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great. He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them. Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORD that they would follow him and observe his ordinances, statutes and decrees with their whole hearts and souls, thus reviving the terms of the covenant which were written in this book. And all the people stood as participants in the covenant.

Responsorial

Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.

Gospel

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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry