Word to the Wise
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - Wednesday in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time
[2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3 and Matt 7:15-20]"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Jost so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them." [Matthew]
This parable presents a basic truth. Behavior is a good indicator of integrity. But the first line of the passage is a warning that discerning integrity may be more difficult than we think. Wolves in sheep's clothing may act in a way that can mimic a person of integrity until they gain trust and then take advantage of those who trust them. Everyday life gives us many examples of "smooth talking" people who take advantage of the elderly and the poor or anyone else susceptible to their enticements.
Wisdom in discernment is a valuable trait. First impressions are lasting but can be mistaken. A good spiritual director will help even the best folks to discern the "phoniness" that can lurk in us or recognize the "wolves in sheep's clothing." The best first step is often the recognition of the quality of the fruit we bear before sharpening our axe to cut down another tree! How are WE known? AMEN