False Prophets and the Power of Discernment
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them” (Luke 21:8). These words, though spoken nearly two thousand years ago, are profoundly relevant today. In every age, voices arise that claim to speak for God, promising security, success, or secret knowledge. Yet the Lord invites us not into fear, but into discernment—a grace-filled awareness that allows us to recognize truth from falsehood.
The early Church knew well the danger of deception. St. Paul urged the Thessalonians, “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Discernment is not suspicion or cynicism, but the spiritual art of listening with a heart rooted in faith. St. Ignatius of Loyola would later describe discernment as learning to distinguish “the voice of the Good Spirit” from that of the “Evil Spirit,” the one leading us to peace, humility, and charity, the other to pride, fear, and confusion (Spiritual Exercises, Rules for Discernment).
Jesus does not promise His followers a world free of turmoil. In fact, He tells them that wars, earthquakes, and persecutions will come—but not to panic. “By your endurance you will gain your souls” (Luke 21:19). The true disciple’s strength is not found in clever predictions or worldly power, but in steadfast faith and patient perseverance.
St. Augustine reminds us that “the Church is always amid storms, yet she does not sink, because she is founded upon the Rock” (Sermon 270). False prophets may stir confusion, but Christ remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Our task is to remain anchored in His Word, nourished by the Eucharist, and guided by the Spirit who “leads us into all truth” (John 16:13).
In a world flooded with information, opinions, and spiritual shortcuts, discernment is more necessary than ever. We are called to test the spirits, to listen for the quiet voice of Christ amidst the noise. Allow God to speak in the silence of our hearts, let the door of your heart open to let him unfold his plans for you and keep your minds open to know and understand God’s ways in your life. When we stay close to Him in prayer, Scripture, and community, no false prophet can lead us astray.
Let us pray, then, for hearts that discern truth with humility and courage—so that, in every trial, we may stand firm in the wisdom of Christ and gain our souls through endurance.
