Dear Parishioners,
My message this week continues where I ended last week of how our choices affect ourselves and others for the better or the worse. What should we conclude when a priest, teacher, non-profit executive, and a former superintendent of the year are engaging in human sex trafficking? When we consider that news headlines like these have become increasingly common over the years, we sadly conclude that there is an underlying problem in much of humanity. We have bought into the falsehoods of Satan, sometimes without even knowing it.
Satan does not operate openly, but instead covertly so that we will proceed without caution. When we sense danger, we become more alert of our environment and more thoughtful about our actions. In Genesis, Satan is portrayed as a serpent, not necessarily because Satan was actually a snake, but to make the point of how Satan, our adversary, operates. Snakes invisibly watch their prey, learning their behavior, and then maneuver when their prey is most vulnerable. Satan acts very similarly.
If this causes you to be somewhat nervous and apprehensive, that tells me that you understand the seriousness of the situation. Not being concerned would be like wading into the Florida swamp without regard for alligators. In our dealings with Satan, the action we take as followers of Christ is to turn to God! We don’t do so in fear and panic, but in faith and knowledge of the instructions God has given us. God tells us how to recognize evil, how to overcome our urges and desires, and how to live with joy and peace in our hearts regardless of what life throws at us.
All of this is dependent on truth. We need to know the truth of ourselves, the truth of our situation, and the truth of who and what God is. Defined simply, truth is reality. Denial of reality hurts ourselves. Denial of alligators while walking in the Florida swamp will lead to obvious problems. Denial of God’s truth also hurts us. God says: “If you remain in My word, you will truly be My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Notice that we need to remain in God’s truth, not in our version of the truth.
Going back to the prominent people in the news headlines, in wondering how they committed such serious sin, we are taken back to Adam and Eve. They too fell for the lie of Satan, saying we can commit sin without being affected by it. Did they not take temptation seriously enough or give up hope that they could overcome their sins? What God said to Cain is true for every person: “Sin is a demon lurking at the door, his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.” (Genesis 4:7) This is the Truth that sets us free!
God reminds us to be focused and not weary in our daily duties as Christians. We are working for the good of this world and ultimately the next. As we celebrate Pentecost this Sunday, listen to how the “Spirit of Truth” comes upon and empowers the first followers of Christ.
Sincerely,
Fr. Miller
Pastor