In the gospel passage, Jesus warns us against false prophets. That is, those who come with plenty of fancy words, flashy miracles and false promises. People tend to quickly get brawn by such men and women, who seem to easily read the minds and hearts of men, heal sick bodies and prophesy the future.

Often, says Jesus, these false prophets, come to us appearing as good disciples. In reality, however, they are people who are extremely self-centred. They love the influence and power which leadership and fame in the Church brings them. They cunningly choose the parts of the Gospel which are attractive and exciting, while shunning the commands of Christ which makes life difficult and demanding. Indeed, Jesus likens them to wolves who will scatter and consume the flock.

To recognize them, the ordinary Christians must test not how they look or what they say, but what they do. The health or sickness of the soul of each Christian is expressed by concrete action or "fruit". Wild fruit trees and cultivated fruit trees often look the same. It is the fruits that show the difference.

Even after 2000 years later, we too can get easily drawn to false prophets. We allow them to distract and to lead us away from the One who really matters - God, and to the things that really matter - obedience to His commandments. Remember, obedience and loving service will be the criterion on the day of judgement.