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.

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.

We learn the most from those whom we trust. If we trust in worldly people, then we shall become more like them. If we trust in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then we shall become more like Jesus Christ and his disciples, the saints. The world blinds us to the truth through our passions, imperfections, and sins and if we do not seek out a teacher who knows our faults, then how can we learn to avoid them, to overcome them, and live a good and holy life? This is why we should seek out the Church, its priests, spiritual directors, and faithful servants. They all teach us how to do good and avoid evil and become more Christ-like in all that we think, say, and do.

Who is our teacher, the world or God? What pitfalls do we need to avoid in our lives? What can we do to become good and faithful Disciples of Christ?

O Lord, train me to be more like you.

Amen.