THE PROBLEM WITH THE DEVIL
The Good News tells us that the devil knows Jesus and the truth about Jesus’ true dignity. However, the trouble with the devil is that he could not bring himself to believe and follow Jesus. He resents Jesus and would rather want to be left alone.
In our spiritual walk, the greater problem is not that a person has not known God. The greater danger is that one who has come to know Jesus does not want to do anything with Jesus.
What can lead a person to imitate the devil’s problem?
Unrepentant Ways. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declared that there are those who do not like to come to the light because their deeds are evil. They love darkness. These persons know what is good and bad, and they realize that they are on the side of evil. However, they are not ready to renounce their evil ways. They are blinded to the temporary pleasures and the earthly advantages that evil gives to them.
Sheer Pride. Here, obstinacy and stubbornness are worse than the first. In the first instance, the person persists in evil because of the pleasures and advantages that come with evil. In this second instance, the person persists in evil for simple arrogance. The person has no humility, or desires not to be humble. He continues to stand on his independence and self-centeredness. He has become “puffed up” and so he runs into the real danger of being out of reach of the grace of God. This second instance is said to be the real state of the devil’s rebellion against God. Fr Domie Guzman, SSP
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you behave when caught in your wrong and evil ways? Do you find it easy to say “I am sorry” to God and to others?
Lord Jesus, sorry for the many times I have become puffed up with pride. Teach me to be humble always and to choose to do what’s right in Your eyes.
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