Be not deceived

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

James 1:12-18 Psalm 94:12-15, 18-19 Mark 8:14-21

James 1:13  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one;

We often want to blame someone or something else for our own weakness.  When we are tempted it must be someone else's fault.  James tells us that God tempts no one.  It is our own evil desires that lead us into temptation. But that means to deal with them we have to admit that we have evil desires.  People do not want to do that today.  The Bible says there will come a time when people will call good evil and evil good.  I think we are pretty close to that time. Political correctness is all about people not wanting to hear the truth and admit that they  might have evil desires.  There is no room for God in the arena of political correctness.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to see what I really am and to seek your mercy and grace.  Help me not to defend my evil desires but to work to overcome them through the knowledge of your love and strength.

Amen