Wolf and the Disciples of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fourteenth Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:16-23*

*First Reading : Gn 46:1-7, 28-30*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40*

*Wolf and the Disciples of Jesus*

*1) Wolves as Persecutors of Disciples*

Matthew 10:16 : *“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves...”*

Jesus uses "wolves" to represent:

Violent opposition to the Gospel.

Persecutors — those who would reject, attack, or kill His followers.

A hostile world that resists truth and light.

Jesus does not promise ease in discipleship; rather, He prepares His followers for suffering with courage, reminding them to stay faithful amidst hostility.

*2)Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing — False Prophets*

Matthew 7:15 *“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”*

Here, Jesus warns against:

Deceptive leaders who appear godly but are corrupt inside.

Spiritual predators who mislead the faithful with false teachings.

A threat from within the community, not just from the outside world.

Not everyone who appears religious is truly of God. Disciples must discern with wisdom, testing spirits and teachings (cf. 1 John 4:1).

*3) Wolves That Scatter the Sheep*

John 10:12 *“The hired hand... sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”*

In Jesus’ Good Shepherd discourse, the wolf represents:

Forces that divide and destroy the flock (the Church).

The threat of spiritual ruin when there is no true shepherd.

The cost of unfaithful leadership — those who do not care for the flock.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, stands in contrast: He

lays down His life for the sheep to protect them from the wolf.

Reflection: This passage reveals the depth of Christ’s love and commitment. He doesn’t run from danger but embraces the Cross for His sheep.

*4) Spiritual Application*

Wolves symbolize real and present dangers, persecution, false teaching, betrayal.

Christians are called to remain faithful, vigilant, and grounded in truth.

Christ, the Good Shepherd, protects, guides, and redeems — even when surrounded by wolves.

*5). "Wise as serpents, innocent as doves" — Strategy & Integrity*

Jesus adds a practical spiritual balance:

*Wise as serpents:* Be prudent, discerning, not naive; recognize dangers and act with godly strategy.

*Innocent as doves:* Remain pure, honest, and harmless. No retaliation or corruption.

Christian mission requires both spiritual discernment and unwavering integrity. Like Daniel in Babylon, or Paul before hostile crowds, one must blend courage with wisdom.

*6) Final Thought*

“The wolf may come, but the Shepherd never leaves.”

Even in a world of spiritual wolves, Christ’s presence and truth sustain His flock. Our task is to watch, pray, and remain faithful.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*