Wednesday of Week 12 in Ordinary Time
2 Kgs 22:8-13,23:1-10
Mt 7:15-20
“You will be able to tell them by their fruits.”
I love social media… or rather, I love watching social media to learn new ideas and trends and expose myself to different ways of thinking. When I first stumbled on this way of learning, I remembered sharing something I had learned with my son. I still remember his look and what he said, “Cap.”
“Cap”? If you don’t understand the vernacular, it means the claim is a lie and untrue. When I first heard the word, I realised that some people go on social media to spread untruths; I don’t understand their intentions.
I have also seen various opinions on faith, religion, and politics on social media. I have seen movements and communities built from these untruths and the accompanying furore. Looking specifically at the Christian faith, I am often surprised by how convincing many of these preachers/teachers can be, and I wonder how many people have been misled.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us not to follow anyone blindly. Instead, we should look at the ‘fruit’ of these teachings. In my preparation for this reflection, it occurred to me that with this teaching, Jesus also invites us to look at His teachings and to similarly look and reflect on the fruit that comes out of it.
With my constant fear of being misled, I often pray for the gift of Prudence. This gift allows us to judge right from wrong. How can we be sensitive to what’s right, and how can we avail ourselves of it? In modern times, misinformation is widespread, and I often struggle to know the truth.
The simple (but often difficult) answer (for me) is to reflect on my day at each day’s end. This time of pause is essential to open myself to the Holy Spirit. Instead of mindlessly plowing through life continuously, I slow down enough to allow the Spirit to speak with me.
This journey will continue as we journey through life. Let us pray we can clearly tell the good fruit from the bad.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Paul Wee)
Prayer: Lord, we pray for Your wisdom to help us walk on the correct path and for Your protection from deception by false prophets.
Thanksgiving: Father, we are grateful for Your love and guidance daily. Thank You, Jesus, for helping us grow toward You.
OXYGEN 
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