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How sensitive are we to God’s prompting to turn away from Sin? To be reconciled with Him? If only we respond to the Word of God, to tear ourselves from the old ways in which we lead miserable lives in Sin. O how joyful we will be! To have our Lord walk with us once again.

How then can we discern good from bad? We can only do so when we walk with the Lord, when we make up our minds to remain faithful to the Word of God; and to turn our backs to Sin. The fruits we bear come from within and it comes forth with joy, peace and love. The same fruits we easily recognise in our brethren.

Let us be fruits of the vine of our Heavenly Father Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 22:8–13; 23:1–3

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:15–20

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.”

When we approach the Holy Word of God in the Bible with reverence, prayer and a contrite spirit. We find that change in us is inevitable. We desire the mercy of God for our transgressions. We are moved towards Holiness and with it comes peace, love and joy.

Some in need of guidance and instruction may turn to the first person they deem holy in demeanor or appearance. However it is better to discern a choice through prayer, promptings of the Holy Spirit and a keen observation. They need to ask themselves, do the words that comes forth encourage or move you closer to God? Do you feel a sense of peace? Does even the firm tone and choice of words stir in you a change for the better? Or do you more frequently end up feeling uneasy, distraught and queasy Or maybe just emptiness seem to envelop you.

Today we call to mind the birth of the prophet of God most high. Let the spirit of God in him be born in us, so that we too may Herald the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the lives of others as we prepare them to receive Him. To help them embrace the Lord in reconciliation and to lead them into a life of holiness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

(The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist – Solemnity)

( FIRST READING Isaiah 49:1–6,  SECOND READING
Acts 13:22–26,  GOSPEL Luke 1:57–66, 80)

First Reading
2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3

Gospel
Mt 7:15-20

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.”