“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?"

The best prophet is common sense. - EURIPIDES: (480 –  406 BC: was a writer of classical Athens)

Gospel Text: (MT 13:54-58)

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.

It requires faith on the part of people for God’s miracles to bring about their primary goal. God’s goal when He completely cures someone who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer is not to give that person immortal life on earth. His goal is to bring the one cured and those around him to a greater practice of love for God and neighbor, so as to give them immortal life in Heaven.

We are challenged, then, to admit where we lack faith in our own lives. We are challenged to allow the miracles that God works to bear fruit in our lives. We are challenged not to live for ourselves, but for others, beginning with the Other who calls us to share in His life of love.