HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY 12TH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: “BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS… YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TELL THEM BY THEIR FRUITS”
BY: BISHOP ANTHONY EWHERIDO
2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Psalm 118(119):33-37, 40; Matt 7:15-20
Jesus’ warning in today’s gospel is needed today more than at any other time in human history, especially with the proliferation of pastors, prophets and prophetic utterances, as well as claims to special gifts and spiritual privileges by all sorts of people. Not all of them are genuine. You must test what you hear proclaimed and who the proclaimers present themselves to be. Proclamations that are tied to money and special offerings are suspect. Prophecies that are based on intimidation, threats and manipulations are false. People who assure you that they are the source of mighty deeds in themselves and can save you from sickness and death, make you wealthy and famous, and give you securities against future eventualities, that they have no control over, are fake. Proclamations that preach a cross-less Christianity are anti-Christ and unrealistic. How much more do you want to hear?
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY 12TH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME
The craft and science involved in some of today’s ministries and portraits of Christianity have defaced the message, and in many cases, made it very much unlike what would come from the lips of Christ. To be a prophet is to “see things as God sees them and so speak with the voice of God.” We must also remember that the ultimate confirmation and test of the truth for both messengers and hearers is that our lives are godly and conform to our Christian profession, defined by our obedience to Christ’s commandment of love. By their fruits, you shall know them. We must all retrace our steps and put Christ over and above all else, allow him to lead while we follow in his steps, and renew our commitment to him just as God’s people did in today’s first reading.
Lord, keep us faithful to your word. Amen.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>