Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 26 June 2024
Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday
2 Kings 22:8-13, 23:1-3. Matthew 7:15-20
No to duplicity
When we were small and young, we were enamoured of the fight scenes in films and dramas. Later, we realised that those actors were ‘dupes.’ Even the characters of animals are duped. As we grow, we identify a lot of duplicates – in dresses, perfumes, electronic and electrical items, medicines, and food.
The duplicates have four characteristics: (a) They are easy to make – it is enough that you imitate; you need not create. (b) What is inside and outside is not the same – the brand is one, but the product is another. (c) They want to do what is easy, not what is correct. (d) They don’t last long – their span is very small.
In the gospel reading, Jesus warns his disciples about false prophets and instructs them to get rid of them. When we apply the above four characteristics, we realise the following: (a) The false prophets imitate the real prophets – they too announce that they were called by God. (b) Though they say that their oracles are from God, they are in fact their own words; (c) They prophecy what is easy, not what is right. And (d) They don’t last long.
Jesus says that the false prophets could be identified by their actions. He uses the metaphor of a tree and fruit. Fruit is a mere extension of the tree. It must reflect what is in the tree.
What are the lessons for us?
(a) The duplicates are meant to cheat others. We feel sad when we are cheated by others; but often times we cheat others. We must refrain from falsity in words and actions. And we must narrow the gap between our words and actions.
(b) Since our external actions are extensions of our internal disposition or attitude, change in actions is possible only when there is change in disposition or attitude.
(c) We must be cautious and careful when we see falsity in others, especially in the spiritual realm, politics, and society. These ‘false’ teachers and leaders seek their interests alone.
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In the first reading, we hear the narrative of the Law being found in the Temple of Jerusalem. This initiates the reforms of King Josiah, who learns that spiritual revolution is the basis for social revolution. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 134).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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