Some of us have a "gut reaction" to false seers. Some of us figure out who is false simply by reading statements in light of Church doctrine and comparing falsity with truth.
But, I have one really clear message for those who are susceptible to false prophets, false seers.
Obey the Church.
If the Church has not approved something, do not follow that person or set of events.
Simple.
There are plenty of approved apparitions and private revelations. One does not have to go after what I call "the flavor of the month".
Remember the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:24Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
I am concerned about two things regarding false seers.
One, disobedience in one area of one's spiritual life leads to disobedience in other areas. Disobedience is a serious sin.
Two, when the last great deceiving anti-Christ comes, (there have been many), he will be believed by signs and wonders. If a person is inclined to see signs and wonders as always being from God, one will be deceived by the anti-Christ.
Notice that Christ referred to the false Christs in the plural. Too often, it is those who are pious and want to become holy who get caught up in false prophets.
But, I have a theory on this problem of being deceived. I believe those who are susceptible to false seers, false apparitions and false prophets have some hidden sin in their lives which they are not facing which interferes with their gift of discernment from God.
Deceiving one's self about sin leads to more sin. This is one reason we must root out our predominant fault. As long as it is in our soul, mind, imagination, memory and understanding, we are vulnerable to sin.
Christ, Our Lord, warned us. This is the time in history when we see more false prophets and false seers than ever before. Be wise. Ask God to hone your gift of discernment.
My rule of thumb is this: if the Church has not positively approved an apparition, prophet or seer, I do not follow such.
Simple. I wait for the Church to tell me who is from God. In the Church, I am protected.
I have known Catholics who have left the Church following false seers, false messages.
That is the reason why satan raises up those who teach things contrary to the Church's Magisterium.
Do not fall prey to the Deceiver. Remember, he does not care how one goes to hell, just so that a person does go to hell. Remember, satan is the god of this world. And false seers are of this world-seeking power, money, influence, attention, status, praise.
Disobedience makes one an "unbeliever". One cannot believe in false seers and follow the Church's guidelines.
2 Corinthians 4:4Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God.
