Scripture:
2 Kings 22:8-13, 23:1-3
Matthew 7:15-20
Reflection:
Today’s gospel selection from Matthew (7:15-20) could not be more timely for us living in the United States and having to endure the caustic rhetoric that comes with what now seems to be forever political campaigns. Indeed, tomorrow the two major party presidential candidates will be together on a stage in Atlanta. Could this scripture reading provide a helpful context for that event?
Jesus said to his disciples:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but underneath are ravenous wolves.
By their fruits you will know them.
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,
and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,
nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down
and thrown into the fire.
So by their fruits you will know them.
Our commitment to living a faith-filled life is not a private affair. We live in community. We live and work within a society full of differences that matter far less than what unites us as the beloved of God. The differences should delight us, revealing the marvelous facets of God’s love. We should engage in public discourse and the political process to help each other and grow into our better selves.
When I was teaching high school boys, we wanted them to enthusiastically cheer on our teams. But we had to help them learn that we weren’t going to make ourselves better by belittling the other team or school. We can be fiercely proud without disparaging the opponent. We are better than that. We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can argue and still be friends. By the fruits, you will know them. Look for the fruit.
Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.