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Wed of 12th Week in Ordinary Time
St.
Luke’s Institute
June
26, 2013 6:30am
BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS +++++++++++++++++
Ø In Gospel, J tells us 2 “beware
of false prophets”
Ø Also says “by their
fruits you will know them”
Ø “False prophet” = leader/ teacher of
religion whose message not consistent w/ ways of J
Ø So w/ that in mind, how
describe bad fruit or false teaching present w/I XTY today?
Ø 1 theologian gives list of
traits of possible false teaching
Ø I will cite three of this
morning
Trait #1: Externals +++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø 1st, teaching
false if produces religion consisting mainly in externals
Ø Focus on externals just
what J criticized in religious practice of his day
Ø Religion must B < more
than correct ritual or observance of certain practices
Ø Must B matter of heart and
inner spirit
TRAIT #2: NEG PROHIBITIONS +++++++++++++++++
Ø 2nd, teaching
false if it produces religion that consists only in neg prohibitions
Ø Religion not just bunch of “Thou
shalt nots.”
Ø Instead, XTY much more in
doing rather than in not doing certain things
Ø It’s to teach + ways for
prayer, + vision 4 life, & + way 4 living life & being close to God
TRAIT #3: ARROGANT & SEPARATIST
+++++++++++
Ø 3rd, teaching
false if it produces religion that’s arrogant & separatist
Ø Religious approach that
encourages us 2 C see selves or Church as above or better than others is false
Ø Religion not 2 erect walls
betw Church & world or sacred & secular
Ø Instead, as J calls us 2, XTY
is 2 tear down walls, see all as basically 1 & 2 bring all 2 Lord by
welcoming and including all
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Good points for us as
individuals and as a Church 2 ponder in response 2 today’s gospel
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
