Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Psalm 104(105):1-4,6-9
Matthew 7:15-20
STAY CLOSE TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND BEAR ABUNDANT FRUITS
One of the significant challenges facing contemporary society is the prevalence of ineffective educators and misleading figures. As articulated in the Scriptures, “Let not many of you become teachers… for they that teach shall be judged with a greater judgment” (James 3:1).
In the current Gospel discourse, Christ continues to admonish the Pharisees for their duplicity and issues warnings regarding false prophets. So, who qualifies as a true prophet? According to William Barclay, a true prophet is an individual who possesses the wisdom of God in his mind, articulates the truth of God with his words, and embodies the courage of God in his heart.
This courage derives from the empowerment of holiness. A teacher who instructs with moral authority imparts only that which he embodies and practices. However, when an individual’s conscience becomes a barrier to candid communication, the message conveyed may be challenging for others to accept, as suggested by Pope Paul VI.
God serves as the ultimate judge and possesses an intimate understanding of our hearts. Let us endeavor to cultivate kind and compassionate thoughts towards others. Let us bear abundant life. May we seek divine assistance as we reflect on His teachings, striving to become vessels of His mercy rather than instruments of judgment.
May God guide our hearts and orchestrate our actions in grace and holiness throughout our earthly journey, with the promise of everlasting life as our reward on the day of judgment. May Mary, the Mother of God, recognized as the Mirror of Justice and Seat of Wisdom, intercede on our behalf. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
