💖 HOMILY - JUNE 25 💖

First Reading - Genesis 15:1-12,17-18

Gospel - Matthew 7:15-20

In a world of appearances and smooth words, discernment becomes essential. The readings today call us to live lives of deep trust in God and to develop the spiritual maturity to distinguish truth from falsehood, authenticity from deception.

In the first reading from Genesis, we hear the profound covenant between God and Abraham. Abraham was uncertain about his future. He had no child, and the promise of descendants as numerous as the stars seemed far-fetched. Yet, in his uncertainty, Abraham believed. His faith—though tested—became the foundation of a lasting covenant. God responded to this faith with a solemn promise, sealing it with a ritual that symbolized divine commitment and permanence. Abraham’s faith teaches us to trust God even when we do not see the outcome, even when reality appears to contradict the promise.

The Gospel complements this theme by warning us about false prophets—those who appear righteous but inwardly lead others astray. Jesus calls us to examine not appearances or words, but fruits. “By their fruits you will know them,” He says. True discipleship is shown in what our lives produce: kindness, humility, justice, faithfulness. These fruits are not merely external deeds but signs of an interior life rooted in God.

There is a subtle connection here. Abraham’s faith bore fruit in a covenant that shaped salvation history. Our faith too must bear fruit—not just in rituals or religious language, but in a life that reflects God's character. Jesus does not ask us to become judges of everyone, but He asks us to be discerning: to recognize what is of God and what is not, what is genuine and what is false.

Dear friends, we live in a world full of voices—many of them persuasive and appealing. But not all of them come from God. We are called to be people of integrity, rooted in God’s word and faithful in our witness. That requires cultivating the Spirit’s fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A tree is known by its fruit, and so are we.

Let us then, like Abraham, place our trust in the Lord. Let us also pray for the grace to bear good fruit—fruit that lasts, fruit that glorifies God, and fruit that shows we are true disciples of Christ.