June 28, 2023, Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time-A ST. IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR
Genesis15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 105
Matthew 7:15-20
Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. Gen. 15:6
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing.” Mt. 7:15
Lord, to see or hear false prophets we need to go no further than the evening news or the internet. Those who seek to steal our hearts from you are often dressed up in sheep’s clothing to conceal their real intentions. They want us to look at the fruit of their words and deeds and see them not as rotten but as beautiful, just, and delightful. They distort the truth of your word, hide their real motives, and refuse to take responsibility for their lies. These are the tools of the Evil One who they are following. Lord, we have a new word for this: “disinformation.” Whatever it is called, it endangers their souls and those to whom they preach. Please Lord, give me the faith that Abram had when he believed your impossible promises of generations of offspring. Help me to listen to the lessons of scripture as taught by your Church. If I stay true to them, I will produce the good fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This fruit will be credited to me as “acts of righteousness.” St. Irenaeus pray for me and my Country. Amen.