Gospel (Mt 7,15-20) - At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: «Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are ravenous wolves! By their fruits you will recognize them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from brambles? Thus every good tree bears good fruit, and every bad tree bears bad fruit; a good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. You will therefore know them by their fruits."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

Jesus warns against the danger of being attracted by false prophets, that is, by those people or by that way of life that appears easier and more immediate, but which in reality steals life just like a predatory wolf. The numerous "enchanters" who in many parts, especially in the poorest countries, preach what is called the "religion of prosperity" come to mind. A preaching that deceives and does not save. Indeed it deceives and damages. Thus Jesus also warns the disciples to be careful of the behavior of the Pharisees, that is, of an external or ritualistic way of living the faith or of conforming to the mentality of the world. Many Christians believe they live the Gospel by closing themselves in their little enclosure. We must not forget that temptations always present themselves as flattering and reasonable, in fact, like wolves in sheep's clothing. How to unmask them? Jesus indicates a sure criterion: "By their fruits you will recognize them". All those suggestions and solicitations that make life sterile, incapable of producing good fruit either for oneself or for others, are false prophecies. The apostle Paul lists the works that arise from those who let themselves be guided by the carnal spirit, that is, by self-love: fornication, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, enmity, discord, jealousy, dissensions, divisions, factions, envy, drunkenness , orgies. And immediately after he lists those that flow from the man who lets himself be guided by the Spirit, by the Gospel: love, joy, peace, patience, benevolence, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control. And he closes: «Therefore if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit» (Gal 5,19-26).