Beware of false prophets!

June 28, Wednesday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Daily Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to be vigilant and careful, for we may be sorry too late. “False prophets come to us in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. Our personal stories may tell us of having bad experiences with people who appeared to be good and friendly at first but later turned out to be bad influencers and traitors.

Social media has become the most significant part of doing, buying, and idling with someone. When we recollect ourselves to look at ourselves and learn where we are now and what we are doing, we can often see that our failures are attached to people who convince us to do something or buy something, etc. We must be careful to separate what we need from what we want.

I remember when my father told me not to go with particular teenagers in our neighborhood who engaged themselves in smoking and drinking wine. But I did join one of their drinking sessions because they called me their friend. We got drunk that afternoon. My elder brother caught me in the act, and my father got angry, so I received a penalty. I felt terrible because I didn’t understand his reasons and why I needed to observe curfew while other parents didn’t require their children to come home at a given time.

False prophets can be found in all walks of life. Now in my fifties, I realize how my father protected me against false and vicious friends as a teenager. Luckily, my boyfriend drew me to Jesus in college by attending Masses after our classes. A way for me later to realize God is calling me to join religious life.  My father agreed and supported me, unlike my mother, who discouraged me. Some relatives and friends told me I was not for the religious life. Thanks to my former parish priest, who guided me and helped me discern.

As followers of Christ, we need to cling to his words and live in the light to give testimony to others. Christ is the vine, and we are his branches. We will produce, and thus, those who will savor that sweet taste of mercy from God in us will give testimony that the Lord remembers His covenant forever!