False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

— Mt 7:15 (NRSV)

NEWS FLASH

PROVINCIAL HOUSE USA (CR News) — although the sun was shining brightly on this beautiful, autumn day, Sr. Charity came downstairs with her umbrella in hand.

“The weatherman said it would rain all day today,” she announced to her sisters at the convent.

“Beware of false prophets,” Sr. Albertina responded. “Especially those who bring you the weather on TV!”

BACKGROUND

A prophet is someone who brings the word of God to others. A prophet is thought of as an inspired teacher; someone with special insight into the will of God.

In general, a prophet of the Lord wields authority among God’s people. The authority might emanate from the office s/he holds or it could come from who the person is. Either way, when the prophet speaks, people listen.

NITTY GRITTY

In these latter days, we can expect to see many false prophets. That’s because we are entering days unlike any other that have existed, except maybe, the days of Noah.

Sadly, some prophets around us might wear the collar of a priest, a bishop, or even a cardinal. They will smile warmly and wryly at the people and the cameras. And they will say sweet things to reassure us that all is well — if only we follow them down some new path.,

But Jesus warned us about them. They come as ravenous wolves. They glorify themselves and bow to the rulers of this world in this time. How do we know them? How do we recognize them?

Our Lord told us a secret. He said that we are to search their fruits. An apple tree always bears apples, or it bears no fruit at all. A peach tree, peaches, or no fruit at all. And so it is with all trees. Their fruit confirms the kind of tree they are.

As a practical matter, read your Bible. Pay particularly close attention to the Scripture verses in the Sunday and daily masses.

Read from your Catechism. How closely does the guidance of the leaders (church, government, or elsewhere) coincide with what you find in the Bible and in the Catechism?

Remember, Satan prowls like a hungry wolf looking for souls to devour (cf. 1 Pet 5:8). Don’t fall into his trap!

OUR STORY

That’s our story and we’re sticking to it!

NEXT STEPS

After you’ve read your Bible and poked around the Catechism a little, ask yourself three simple questions everyday:

• QUESTION #1: What do you need to start doing that you’re not doing now?
• QUESTION #2: What do you need to stop doing that you have been doing?
• QUESTION #3: Or what do you need to keep doing, but change how you’re doing it?

Don’t think you can change the world — you can’t. You can have a positive impact on people around you, however. And you can change how the world impacts you!

Jesus is the answer to our problems. And conversion is how we access His love. Ask God to convert your soul starting today — right now. And ask Him to keep doing it until that day when He calls you home to heaven!

Vivat Jesus!