March 31
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.
-Matthew 7:15-20
(please read through the passage 3 times using the practice of lectio divina)
Reflection
As we anticipate April Fools’ Day, this passage instructs us to not be fooled by false prophets. How do we know if a “prophet” among us will wound and devour? Jesus answers this question by shifting metaphors, saying it is by the fruit he or she produces.
A crucial question is then bound to occur to us: What counts as good or bad fruit? In Matthew 21:43 Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.” If the Sermon on the Mount describes life in the kingdom, then the entire sermon teaches how to evaluate fruit.
Bad fruit comes from people who, in preacher Richard Lischer’s words, “hate, curse, lust, divorce, swear, brag, preen, worry, or backbite.” Good fruit arises from people who love, bless, esteem, keep promises, give, forgive, hope, honor, and engage in prophetic mischief.
Action (Lament)
Perhaps you have been wounded by a false Christian leader or know people who have. Grab pen and paper, and list the damage. Hold it in your hands, and feel the sadness of it. End your time by saying the wrong aloud and by praying “Lord have mercy” for each item on the list
