Wednesday, June 25, 2003
12th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Gen 15:1-12, 17-18
Gospel: Mt 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of false prophets: they come to you in sheep's clothing but inside they are wild wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Do you ever pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

"A good tree always produces good fruit, a rotten tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit. Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. So you will know them by their fruit."

Commentary

In a world ruled by advertisers and PR men and women, half-truths and outright lies are purveyed daily with impunity to sell a consumer product, an actor or actress, a politician, even ideas and entire life-styles to whole populations. Consider: what do half-naked women have to do with gin or whisky? or a car with real manhood? or a pair of stockings with true femininity? Does having less children really mean quality parenting? Is an unborn child just a lump of tissue? In the light of Christ's teaching, Christians must discern right from wrong, truth from falsehood. When in doubt, they are to seek counsel. The Church does not take her teaching office lightly.

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