Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 25, 2025

Date: Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In the gospel reading today, taken from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”, Jesus warns followers of “false prophets.” Jesus tells us that true prophets, good prophets, produce good fruit. In fact, we are all called to bear good fruit with our lives, true to Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What is the fruit of my life thus far?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You taught us to be people of love. Love the LORD. Love one another. And that love will bear fruit. We taught us that You are the vine, we are the branches, and that we must remain in You if we are to bear fruit, for without You, we can do nothing (John 15). Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to live the life You call us to live, to be people of faith, hope filled and fueled by love. Grant that we may bear fruit with our lives in You, with You, and through You. Amen.