26 June 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: CAN WE RECOGNIZE THE RAVENOUS WOLVES OR THE ROTTEN TREES AROUND US?

First Reading: Second Kings 22: 8-13; 23: 1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 33, 34, 36, 37, 40
Alleluia: John 15: 4a, 5b
Gospel: Matthew 7: 15-20

Many people search for God through yoga, transcendental meditation, or peer through the universe seeking guidance or inspiration, completely missing the truth that God revealed Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. False prophets are rotten trees and our Lord does not want us to have anything to do with them. They lead us away from truth and happiness. If we partake of their fruit, we will not experience the peace and joy our Lord wants to give us.

As we draw closer to Christ, He gives us ways to discern good fruit from bad fruit, and good trees from bad ones. As we grow in holiness, not only do we more easily recognize good fruit, but by his work within us, we bear good fruit of our own, such as forgiveness, humility, chastity, love, mercy, and self-control.

This is the 1521st installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Raymond Bucu, South Asia Regional Coordinator and Provincial Area Head of Bataan, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]