WEDNESDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Glorious
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
📚 Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18
Gospel: Matthew 7:15–20
Theme: Call to discernment and authenticity.
Reflection
Beloved in Christ Jesus, blessings and love of God be upon us both now and forevermore. Amen.
Today’s table of the Word revolves around reflecfion on God's faithfulness to His promise and invitation to proper discernment and authentic Christian life.
The first reading drawn from the first Book of Pentateuch gives an account of God's Covenant with Abram, who later became Abraham (cf. Genesis 15:1–18). Here we find Abram in a moment of fear and uncertainty. Despite receiving a divine promise in Genesis 12, he is still childless. Yet God reassures him:
“Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great." He further took Abram outside and shows him the stars and made a promise to him: “So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5)
However, at this crossroad of life, it became a turning point in salvation history. Abram’s faith is not based on evidence but on trust in God’s word. As the Scripture says: “He believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
That is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 145–146) upholds this moment as the paradigm of biblical faith, a trust that is total, even when God’s plans are hidden. This covenant, sealed with a sacrificial rite, anticipates the New Covenant in Christ, whose sacrifice on the Cross fulfills all the promises made to Abraham.
On the other hand, today's table of the Word also offers us another opportunity to reflect on proper discernment and authentic discipleship. This is rooted in an exhortation by our Lord who warns:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
The danger is real, not everyone who speaks religious words or wears spiritual garments is truly of God; as the ancient aphorism says: "Habit does not make a monk." The test of authenticity, Jesus says, is the fruit:
“By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20).
This obviously echoes the biblical principle from Sirach 27:6 which says: “The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so the expression of a thought discloses the cultivation of a man’s mind.”
Moreover, the Church in her teaching has always recognized the need for discernment, especially regarding leadership, doctrine, and spiritual influence. As St. John of the Cross warned, not every vision or prophecy comes from God.
In conclusion, like Abraham, let us trust God even when His promises seem delayed. God does not forget. He has never appoint to disappoint.
Let us be watchful in the Church and in our lives, discerning truth not by appearance but by the fruit of holiness.
Finally, we are challenged to exhibit a deep and enduring faith as Abraham so as live out an authentic Christian life.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 25062025
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