Thirty-Second Friday in Ordinary Time

Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist. Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense. Anyone who is so "progressive" as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.

The world is full of good people, but it is also beset by deceivers, tempters, and evil-doers. As such, we must be on guard against these worldly people at all times. These wreckers of souls can be family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses, or complete strangers. They lure good people into bad situations and tempt them to sin. They make false promises. They twist our good intentions. They persecute and mock us. They work toward the destruction of souls, theirs and others. Some know what they are doing and don’t care. Others might not realize that they’ve become stumbling blocks, bringing ruin upon God’s children. It is of the utmost importance that we do not allow these people to lead us astray and try our best to show them the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We cannot do this ourselves, but with the protection of the Father, the teachings of the Son, and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit we can be beacons of goodness and light in the world and bring others to the safe harbor that can only be found in God.

Who are those who are trying to deceive us or others and lead us astray? How can we try to convert them without risking our souls? How can we protect others from their evil ways?

O Lord, give us the grace to never lose you or lead others astray.

Amen.

First Saturday of Ordinary Time

Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil on Saul's head; he also kissed him, saying: "The LORD anoints you commander over his heritage. You are to govern the LORD's people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout.

We are all anointed in the sacrament of baptism and again when we choose to undertake the act of confirmation. These anointings echo those of the kings of the Old Testament as well as the anointing of Jesus before his passion and death. They signify our renewal and also call us to service. Just as Saul and the Israelite kings were called to be servant leaders of Israel, so we are called to be servant leaders of our families, our communities, and our Church. We might fail in this responsibility like Saul and the other kings, but we are given every opportunity to succeed in the tasks God has prepared for us. He wants us to govern ourselves and become models for others. He wants us to save people from the grasp of sin. He wants us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and lead others to good and faithful lives.

Are we living out our baptismal calling to be living signs of God’s love for all whom we meet? Are we willing to become servant leaders, even if it means sacrifice and suffering on our part? How can we save others from the wickedness and snares of the Devil?

O Lord, make us into servant leaders, who protect others from the evils of the world.

Amen.