YEAR A: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY: (Mt. 7:15-20) Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel Jesus zooms in on those who come to take advantage of people appearing as prophets when in fact they are false ones.

Jesus guided the disciples how to spot them. The litmus test to determine the false from the true one is through their fruits. Words may be sugar coated but the way of life cannot. Show offs like those of the Pharisees should also be scrutinized. Eventually, something has got to give. The false prophet will show his true skin.

Spot on the prophet. Jesus was aware that many will come and introduce themselves as the true teacher, guide, harbinger, and messiah. The are marks of the true prophet: faithfulness to the Scriptures, points to God and not to himself, witnesses to what he preaches, lives a simple life, willing to make sacrifices and even offer his life, has a good prayer life, and in unity with the Church.

Jesus is The Prophet. He is the Word of God incarnate. He is a living example of His teachings. Humble. Prays. Most of all, He offered His life for the sake of His flock. He is the measure for anyone who comes to us and presents himself as a prophet. His life must show fruits which are in accordance with Jesus, the prophet.

Today, some are fascinated by preachers who seem to know every passage from the Bible. They combine this with teachings from other religions and good grasp of history, culture, anthropology, and liturgy. They use logic, charm, rhetorics, and drama to attract attention. Some go as far as creating a drama or a testimony which moves their listeners. And before they know it, they are had. Worst, some lost their riches.
The warning of Jesus is real. The devil does not rest and is willing to use everything, even Scriptures, in order to deceive and capture victims. Beware of false prophets!