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W
EDNESDAY
OF
THE
T
WELFTH
W
EEK
IN
O
RDINARY
T
IME
2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3
Psalms 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40
Matthew 7:15-20
S
UMMARY
In the first reading, at the demand of the devout King, all of Jerusalem par-
ticipates in bringing back to life the terms of the recovered covenant, the
book of the Law of Moses. The Gospel reading today clearly warns us to
steer clear of false prophets who disguise themselves in effort to lead us
away from God.
R
EFLECTION
King Josiah did what pleased the Lord and followed the example of his an-
cestor King David by strictly obeying all the laws of God. So imagine his
outrage when Shaphan brought and read the contents of the recently found
book of the Laws of Moses! Upon realizing the forefathers did not obey
the conditions of the Laws, he tore his clothing (a sign that something ter-
rible had taken place). He wanted more than anything to repair the dam-
age of those who sinned by failing to obey God˅s law. Today do we view
sin as such a ˈterrible thingˉ? Do we respond as the King did and work fe-
verously to repair our wrongdoings? I look around and think not. This is a
huge concern as my husband and I raise our son. How do we stand apart
from mainstream society and impress upon our boy to do what is right and
just? King Josiah helped his people of Israel follow God again. They
stopped worshipping idols and pagan Gods. For me, the affirmation of
faith from our church and community is as strong as the King˅s guidance
was to his people. There is hope.
Today˅s Gospel according to Matthew comes from the Sermon on the
Mount. Jesus warns his disciples not to be fooled by false prophets. (This
is a warning that is repeated over and over in the bible.) He says that rot-
ten trees cannot bear good fruit
and
they will be cut down and thrown into