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.”
REFLECTION
We are back in Ordinary Time, and today’s readings have me reflecting on the way I pray and talk to the Lord.
In the first reading from Genesis, Abram questions God, but with faith. He asks Him “how am I to know that I shall possess it [the land that the Lord has promised him]”, and the Lord answers him. This particular encounter intrigued me because I want clear answers. I want full clarity as to why, how, when, and where I am to do certain things. Abram does exactly as the Lord instructs. He doesn’t ask why, or demand a different answer, or need further explanation as to where or how to do what the Lord told him to. He asked God questions, but with faith. I just demand answers sometimes. After reflecting on this and looking at the Gospel, I could only wonder what kind of fruit I am bearing with such a (what I will call) critically demanding disposition.
Perhaps these insights popped into my head because of a podcast I was listening to the other day called Catholic Latte with Fr. Eric. It’s a compilation of homilies, movie reviews, and stories from him. In this particular episode, Fr. Eric was speaking about the way Jesus teaches us to pray and discern. He mentioned how rather than forcing the issue, maybe we should “ go the ways of patience, openness, and receptivity.” Abram was patient, open, and receptive to the Lord and beared much fruit because of this.
The funny thing about this was I listened to the podcast days before attempting this reflection. As soon as I read those readings I had light bulbs going off in my mind, or maybe they were more like warning lights. Either way, the Lord was trying to tell me something. I invite you today to set aside 10 minutes to reflect on the kind of disposition you hold when speaking to the Lord. How are you bringing your worries, doubts, troubles, joys to Him? How is He trying to reach you? I encourage you to write down your thoughts in a notebook or journal.
God bless you and thank you for sharing your reflection.
Finally we get to see how you think and process God's word.
Your first reflection oozes fragrant grapes and figs. Grapes could be turned into vintage wine and figs into sweet cake.
Your disposition of prayer is that of demanding. Abraham's, that of faith. That is according to your insight.
Is there a distinction? Could you demand God without believing in Him first?
Abraham questioned God with faith. Indeed he did. Nonetheless, is not questioning a demand for an answer as well? How is it different in questioning God with faith vs without it?
In your prayer do you question God with or without faith? It…
Salve Ms. Alison Lanik:
God bless you and thank you for sharing your reflection.
Finally we get to see how you think and process God's word.
Your first reflection oozes fragrant grapes and figs. Grapes could be turned into vintage wine and figs into sweet cake.
Your disposition of prayer is that of demanding. Abraham's, that of faith. That is according to your insight.
Is there a distinction? Could you demand God without believing in Him first?
Abraham questioned God with faith. Indeed he did. Nonetheless, is not questioning a demand for an answer as well? How is it different in questioning God with faith vs without it?
In your prayer do you question God with or without faith? It…
Thank you, Allison, for a lovely reflection
.Patience, openness and receptivity