Readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6,9-11, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Luke 4:31-37
“When people say, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
The book of Proverbs teaches us: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want, like an armed warrior.” (Proverbs 6:10-11). If a bit of sleep can reduce me to poverty, what would a slight relaxation of my spiritual practices do? If we work daily to put food on our tables, we must likewise pray diligently and obey God to maintain our spiritual well-being.
Satan hates it when he sees us praying. This is why he has filled our world with everything capable of distracting us from prayer. Do you know that Satan even sends his agents to the church to cause distraction and prevent us from communing with God? Jesus went to the city of Capernaum. In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit. He went about freely until he came in contact with Jesus.
We will be playing the ostrich if we deny that there are no demon-possessed individuals in our churches. Do not be deceived; it is not everything that glitters that is gold. It is not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” that will enter God’s kingdom. (Matthew 7:21) It is not everybody you see in church who is there to worship God. Some go to steal, kill and destroy. (Cf. John 10:10). Don’t get caught off-guard.
St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:13-18, “Therefore take the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit.”
St. Peter writes, “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Resist the devil. Jesus wasn’t expecting to see someone like that in the synagogue, yet with just one sentence, Jesus rebuked the demons. This is the fruit of being fully prepared. Be alert in spirit; wear the whole armour of God, you never know when you will engage in a spiritual battle with a demon-possessed person.
This is the same message St. Paul conveys in today’s first reading. “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4). Be always on alert. Do not let down your guard spiritually.
St. Paul says, “But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” In other words, practice self-control – live as if today is your last day. Be like a servant waiting for their master to arrive. Before engaging in any activity, ask: If the world ended right now, would I be proud of where God would meet me?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, renew our spiritual zeal. Bring back that fire in us to be closer to you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6,9-11, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Luke 4:31-37)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu