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? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. – Mt. 7:15-20
Our Catholic parish becomes our safe haven, and a place where we feel a sense of belonging among those who are called to be our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as we travel along in our faith journey. It offers us not only a physical space to worship and adore our Lord, but is also a sanctuary of trust, solace, and peace, where we all come together to deepen our relationship with God and nurture our spirituality together as a community of believers. However, there are times in our parishes when we encounter those who are a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” appearing to be one way, but are truly another, and often we can be hurt by these individuals.
When we encounter a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” it implies that the person is deliberately deceiving fellow parishioners, and even perhaps the pastor, where they disguise their true intentions and character beneath a veneer of benevolence or piety. Within a Catholic parish this can be expressed in multiple ways.
When we observe someone within our parish who appears on the outside to be an exemplar of faith and morality perhaps we let our guard down because we have no doubt that they truly are who they appear to be when we see them at Mass and taking on the role of leading parish apostolates. Why would we think he or she is putting up a front? His or her service and outward display of religious devotion creates a sense of trust and perhaps even admiration. Yet, it is precisely within these seemingly trustworthy individuals that the metaphorical “wolves” may lurk.
Instances of betrayal within our parish community can take different forms, and the consequences of such betrayal are far-reaching. First and foremost, there is a profound emotional impact. The hurt, disappointment, and sense of betrayal that result from discovering that someone or even a small group who we trusted within a parish has ulterior motives can be excruciating. It can shake the very foundation of our faith and sense of community.
There can even result in a situation where the parish becomes a toxic environment due to the “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Parishioners may avoid becoming involved in the parish activities run by these individuals or perhaps the “wolves” create such a hostile environment for other members of the parish that it may even result in an exodus of people leaving to another parish. It becomes a real question of “How do I keep the peace and remain an active participant in my parish when I am being bullied by fellow parishioners who put on a good show in front of the Pastor?”
I am true to who I am, and I practice what I preach. We are called to be different from the world, and to be Christ-like. We are brothers and sisters in Jesus, and we should treat one another as anything less. All of us are created in the image and likeness of God and despite how I have been treated by fellow parishioners, I would never and will never treat them in the same way that they treated me because of that truth.
It is crucial to remember that even in the face of betrayal, our faith remains steadfast. Our relationship with God is a personal one, and it is not dependent on the action of others. While the actions of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” may shake our trust in individuals, it should never weaken our trust in our Divine Lord.
Image by ChameleonsEye on Shutterstock
