June 23, 2021 – Wednesday of the 12^th Week in Ordinary Time

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062321.cfm)

A stern warning from Jesus was received by the disciples. He warned them of the presence of false prophets who shall bring empty promises, easy-way-out in solving problems and towards despair. False prophets are pretentious and filled with lies and shadows. However, the false prophets can be so entertaining, fascinating, persuasive and convincing to the point that will find it hard not to believe. Moreover, the intentions of false prophets only lead to our destruction and death.

Consequently, Jesus wanted his disciples to be more discerning as they listen to different voices around them. A disciple of Christ who is not attentive and discerning to the many inputs will be led easily to believe to fake news and false hopes.

Today, false prophets may not just be persons appearing before us. These false prophet can also appear to us as a real or virtual who will persuade us to believe in their false hopes, false alarms and fake news especially with what is happening in our community today. The intention of persuading us to believe and adhere to their narratives will certainly contain hidden political, religious or personal agenda. Beware of these and be discerning because these will only bring us to division, to false information, to moral degradation or hatred and more biases.

Furthermore, these false prophets can also take the form of the empty promises of our addictions. Gambling, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, excessive Internet usage, eating and over-work may promise to fill our empty and hallow hearts that long for attention and care, recognition and acceptance, affection and love. These forms of false prophets may seduce us to believe that these addictions and unhealthy coping mechanisms may provide relief from the pain that we feel, pain of losing a loved one, of heartbreak, of rejection, or of failure and guilt.

Jesus wants us to only listen to Him because all these various forms of false prophets will surely not bring us to life and freedom but rather to slavery and death. The Lord desires that we become free and alive. Abram, in the Book of Genesis taught us something when everything around may become confusing and even depressing. Abram put his faith in the LORD and not in anything else or to any gods. Abram knew and believed truly in the LORD who called him.

Jesus invites us today to be discerning and practice critical-thinking, as we encounter everyday many inputs from people around us or from the internet. Carefully listen to the voice within us that will lead us closer to God.

When also we realize that this person, media site, or attitude in us does not bring us closer to God, closer to our brothers and sisters and to ourselves but away from Him, away from ourselves and from other people, then, be careful their fruits are poisonous to our mind and spirit.

As we make the effort to continual listen and follow the voice of Jesus, we will surely enjoy the fruits of peace and freedom within. Hinaut pa.