Law and Fruit

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our journey and recommitment to a path in Christ that brings the fruit of fullness of life to our environment.

Fruit of our Lawfulness

The reading from the Second Letter of Kings describes Josiah’s Reformation

* [22:3] Shaphan: head of a prominent family in the reign of Josiah, secretary to the king, bearer and reader of the newly found book of the law (vv. 3–13; 25:22). He and his sons favored the reform of King Josiah and supported the prophet Jeremiah; cf. Jer 26:24; 29:1–3; 36:10–12; 39:14.

* [22:8] Book of the law: probably an early edition of material now found in the Book of Deuteronomy. (2 Kings, CHAPTER 22 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses a Tree and Its Fruit to teach about False Prophets.

* [7:15–20] Christian disciples who claimed to speak in the name of God are called prophets (Mt 7:15) in Mt 10:41; Mt 23:34. They were presumably an important group within the church of Matthew. As in the case of the Old Testament prophets, there were both true and false ones, and for Matthew the difference could be recognized by the quality of their deeds, the fruits (Mt 7:16). The mention of fruits leads to the comparison with trees, some producing good fruit, others bad. (Matthew, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner comments that, in today’s Gospel, Jesus warns the disciples and us of false prophets who are really ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing.

False prophets sound good. They look the part. But when does playing one more computer game, one more video game become too much? It becomes a time of discernment for myself. What is the cura personalis — the care for the whole person? I have to think of my mind, my body, my spirit. We French talk about showing cura personalis to others. We have to take care of ourselves. I applaud and am thankful for modern technology that allows connection and virtual contact, entertainment, relaxation. But I also need stillness and quiet to discern and pray. I need unmediated human connection as a way to show care for others and to have others care for me.

My prayer today is to recognize the wolves on sheep’s clothing that can certainly come in many disguises. I ask for the grace to recognize when too much is too much. (Zuegher, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Beware of false prophets,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"Jesus reminded them of what happened to their ancestors who were attracted to false prophets. The same dangers are now faced as those that occurred in earlier days. He reminded them of the experience of their ancestors so that they would not despair at the multitude of troubles that would mount up on this way that is narrow and constricted. He reminded them that it is necessary to walk in a way that goes contrary to the common opinion. One must guard oneself not only against pigs and dogs but those other, more elusive creatures: the wolves. They were going to face inward anxieties as well as outward difficulties, but they are not to despair. 'Therefore do not be thrown into confusion,' Jesus says in effect, 'for nothing will happen that is new or strange. Remember that the ancient adversary is forever introducing deception as if true.'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 23.6) (Schwager, 2024)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 comments that King Josiah’s sincere and wholehearted response calls to mind the words of St. Paul to the Romans: “The kindness of God” can “lead you to repentance” (2:4). When he learned of the kindness, faithfulness, and generosity of God, Josiah was cut to the heart and changed the course of his life—and the course of the nation he led.

As you reflect on these times, let God’s kindness move you to repent of any ways you may have strayed from obeying his commands or forgotten his goodness to you. Then rededicate your life to the Lord. May his goodness fill your heart with love for him and his people and give you an ever-greater desire to follow him wherever he may lead you!

“I praise you, Lord, for all the goodness you have shown to me!” (Meditation on 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the origin of the Book of Deuteronomy as a Law that would be followed that was an injunction to worship in the Temple. The Gospel of Matthew warns of ravenous wolves, false preachers who are not transparent or trustworthy. Friar Jude reminds us to avoid teaching that is not what God calls us to do.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill who call on Christians to embrace the path of lament, which includes confession.

 

We lament the exploitation and destruction of black lives and communities; the abuse of basic human rights; systemic injustice, expressed in policing, judicial, educational, economic, social, and other systems and structures…. 

We lament corruption among politicians, police forces, and bankers; military interventions and the militarization of society and police forces; uncaring government agencies and big business; and urban poverty and homelessness…. We lament the nature, extent, and effects of white privilege, nationalism, xenophobia, and racism; the unwelcome shown to refugees and asylum seekers; and the fear, anxiety, and suffering experienced by undocumented migrants.  

We lament the treatment of women in society and church…. We lament gender inequalities, the discrimination and harassment women suffer, the sexualization of women and girls, and the domestic violence many women suffer daily.… We lament the colonization, devastation, and assimilation of First Nations and indigenous peoples, and the role Christianity has played…. 

We lament the silence of the people of God about many of these things. We lament the complicity of the church in many of these things.  

This practice of lament is necessary if we are to experience healing and hope and transformation. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the guideposts set by the Law and seek the guidance of the Spirit to discern and follow the path that bears the fruit of our truth, love, and goodness.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/7? 

Meditation on 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/06/26/1008187/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/collective-lament-and-confession/ 

Schwager, D. (2024, June 25). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jun26 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 22 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/22?8 

Zuegher, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/062624.html 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the principles of our life that are reflected in the actions that are the fruit of our beliefs. 

Fruit of our Faith

The reading from the Second Book of Kings describes Josiah’s Reformation.

* [22:3] Shaphan: head of a prominent family in the reign of Josiah, secretary to the king, bearer and reader of the newly found book of the law (vv. 3–13; 25:22). He and his sons favored the reform of King Josiah and supported the prophet Jeremiah; cf. Jer 26:24; 29:1–3; 36:10–12; 39:14. * [22:8] Book of the law: probably an early edition of material now found in the Book of Deuteronomy. (2 Kings, CHAPTER 22, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explores a tree and its fruit.

* [7:15–20] Christian disciples who claimed to speak in the name of God are called prophets (Mt 7:15) in Mt 10:41; Mt 23:34. They were presumably an important group within the church of Matthew. As in the case of the Old Testament prophets, there were both true and false ones, and for Matthew the difference could be recognized by the quality of their deeds, the fruits (Mt 7:16). The mention of fruits leads to the comparison with trees, some producing good fruit, others bad. (Matthew, n.d.)

David Crawford comments that today’s Gospel reading warns against being tempted by false prophets whose values and teachings run counter to that of Christ. To distinguish the false and true prophets, Jesus tells us to look at their “fruits,” which leads him to Galatians 5 for a list of bad fruits contrasted with the good.

“immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like” (verses 19-21)...

“the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (verses 22-23). (Crawford, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Beware of false prophets,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"Jesus reminded them of what happened to their ancestors who were attracted to false prophets. The same dangers are now faced as those that occurred in earlier days. He reminded them of the experience of their ancestors so that they would not despair at the multitude of troubles that would mount up on this way that is narrow and constricted. He reminded them that it is necessary to walk in a way that goes contrary to the common opinion. One must guard oneself not only against pigs and dogs but those other, more elusive creatures: the wolves. They were going to face inward anxieties as well as outward difficulties, but they are not to despair. 'Therefore do not be thrown into confusion,' Jesus says in effect, 'for nothing will happen that is new or strange. Remember that the ancient adversary is forever introducing deception as if true.'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 23.6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 7:15-20 comments that there is something we can try to do at the end of each day. Start by looking over all that has happened that day, including how we felt and how we reacted to the situations that came up. Then look at the fruit that each event has borne in our life. What kind of fruit should we look for? Maybe the fruit of the Spirit that St. Paul lists: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Or take your lead from St. James. He tells us that if something comes from God, it leads to peace, gentleness, mercy, and good deeds (James 3:17). 

Today, keep your eyes open for the good fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. Pursue the things that bring good fruit. And if you see some bad fruit, take heart. It’s your opportunity to turn from it and let the Lord prune it away. “Lord, help me to see the fruit in my life so that I can reject the bad and cultivate the good.” (Meditation on Matthew 7:15-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler recalls the reforms of Hezekiah and the discovery of a Book (Deuteronomy?) in the restoral of the Temple by Josiah. The Deuteronomic school may have told history the way they thought it should have happened. Friar Jude reminds us our conversion is based on continuing to live by doing what we say as disciples of Christ.

Cynthia Bourgeault, Episcopal priest and CAC teacher emerita, writes of the difference between our modern understanding of emotions and the teachings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Wisdom teaches that the emotions are in fact the primary culprits that obscure and confuse the heart. The real mark of personal authenticity is not how intensely we can express our feelings but how honestly we can look at where they’re coming from and spot the elements of clinging, manipulation, and personal agendas that make up so much of what we experience as our emotional life today.

In the teachings of the Christian Desert Fathers and Mothers, these intense feelings arising out of personal issues were known as the “passions,” and most of the Desert spiritual training had to do with learning to spot these land mines and get free of them before they did serious psychic damage. In contrast to our contemporary usage, which tends to see passion as a good thing, indicating that one is fully alive and engaged, the Desert tradition saw passion as a diminishment of being. It meant falling into passivity, into a state of being acted upon (which is what the Latin passio actually means), rather than clear and conscious engagement. Instead of enlivening the heart, according to one Desert Father, the real damage inflicted by the passions is that “they divide our heart into two.” . . . The heart, in the ancient sacred traditions, has a very specific and perhaps surprising meaning. It is not the seat of our personal affective life—or even, ultimately, of our personal identity—but an organ for the perception of divine purpose and beauty. . . . Finding the way to where our true heart lies is the great journey of spiritual life. . . . [1] (Bourgeault, n.d.)

We are attracted to ideas and actions that support the direction we take from the Spirit or from the distractions and diversions of our addictions and emotions.

References

Bourgeault, C. (n.d.). Freedom from Our Passions. Daily Meditations Archive: 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/freedom-from-our-passions-2022-06-22/ 

Crawford, D. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/062222.html 

Matthew. (n.d.). Matthew 7. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/7?15 

Meditation on Matthew 7:15-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/06/22/415737/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?33 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Will Know Them by Their Fruits. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jun22 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 22. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/22 

Fruit of false prophets

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to find hope for a change in direction in society by recalling ancient reforms in Judah and following Jesus warning about false prophets.



The passage from the Second Book of Kings recalls that In the reign of King Josiah the Book of the Law was the basis of the return of Judah to adherence to the Covenant.

* [22:8] Book of the law: probably an early edition of material now found in the Book of Deuteronomy

The Gospel from Matthew offers Jesus advice to recognize false prophets by the fruit of their words and deeds.

* [7:15–20] Christian disciples who claimed to speak in the name of God are called prophets (Mt 7:15) in Mt 10:41; Mt 23:34. They were presumably an important group within the church of Matthew. As in the case of the Old Testament prophets, there were both true and false ones, and for Matthew the difference could be recognized by the quality of their deeds, the fruits (Mt 7:16). The mention of fruits leads to the comparison with trees, some producing good fruit, others bad.

Marvin A. Sweeney has written King Josiah of Judah: The Lost Messiah of Israel describing the importance of the religious reform of Josiah.

It argues that early forms of the book of Deuteronomy, the so‐called Deuteronomistic History (Joshua; Judges; 1–2 Samuel; and 1–2 Kings), and much of the prophetic literature (Isaiah; Hosea; Amos; Micah; Jeremiah; Zephaniah; Nahum; cf. Habakkuk) were written or edited to support King Josiah's reform and to present him as the righteous Davidic monarch, who would realize the divine promise of security for the land and people of Israel. Following the tragic death of Josiah at the hands of the Egyptian Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo in 609 b.c.e., Josiah's program of religious reform and national restoration came to an end

Mark Latta comments that in the information overload of our complex world we are subject to all kinds of words of prophecy.

In this world of information overload, where and how can we see the “fruits” of the sources of the massive amount of information (prophesies of a sort) that we absorb. One insight of this discernment is rooted in the principle of love. Are the words, the prophesy, the inputs we receive, rooted in and delivered with the tone and spirit of love? The gift of love and the projection of a loving attitude is truly a fruit born of the Holy Spirit

Don Schwager addresses the question of “What is the test of a true or false teacher”?

Jesus connects soundness with good fruit. Something is sound when it is free from defect, decay, or disease and is healthy. Good fruit is the result of sound living - living according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned against the dangers of falsehood: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce an easy religion which takes the iron out of religion, the cross out of Christianity, and any teaching which eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus, and which push the judgments of God into the background and makes us think lightly of sin.

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 shows how powerful Scripture is! It has the ability to draw hearts to the Lord.

Maybe you already have a routine for reading the Bible. You might have a daily reading plan, or maybe you have worked your way through one of the Gospels. Perhaps this magazine is your main resource for reading Scripture. If you’ve been doing any of these for even a short amount of time, you surely have a few stories about how the word of God has touched you, moved you, and shaped you. See if you can recall one or two of them today.

Friar Jude Winkler considers possibilities for the timing of the writing of the early Deuteronomy text found in the Temple. The transparent lifestyle of the true prophet includes seeking forgiveness for errors. Friar Jude gives an example from the ministry of Pope Francis.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that coming to grips with the history and reality of our money culture is challenging. He cites the work of Paul Hawken, The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability, Revised Edition (Harper Business: 1993, 2010), 16, 127, 140-141. See also http://www.drawdown.org/  .

Business did not anticipate a time when those resources would diminish or run out. It was inconceivable that the vast plains and forests of the New World could be exhausted, or that the abundant new fuels of coal could produce enough waste to foul the air and the seas, or that the use of oil could eventually lead to global climate change. So the system of rewarding the lowest price, impelling companies to exploit the cheapest sources of labor and materials, could not anticipate a time when the lowest price would no longer be the lowest cost, when seeking the cheapest means to get a product to market would end up costing society the most in terms of pollution, loss of habitat, degradation of biological diversity, human sickness, and cultural destruction. . . .

The fruit of following Jesus Way appears as love, forgiveness, inclusion, and compassion for others. The increasing division between those who live consuming an unfair portion of the world’s resources, preaching an economic philosophy of laissez faire capitalism, and those who migrate in poverty is a sign of our attention to the false prophets in our society.

References


(n.d.). 2 Kings, chapter 22 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/2kings22:3

(n.d.). Matthew 7. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/matthew7.htm

(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). 12th Week in Ordinary Time - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://wau.org/meditations/

(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archives - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/