let no one deceive you

Friday, January 04, 2013 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: 1 John 3:7-10 Psalm 98:1, 7-9 John 1:35-42 If we wish to keep peace with our neighbor, we should never remind anyone of his natural defect. -- St Philip Neri

1 John 3:7  Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as he is righteous.

I have been drifting a little, not keeping up with this.  I also have been accused of being rather angry in my other communications.  I didn't think that I was, but apparently that is the way it is perceived.  But, my primary objective in my "angry" communications is not to be angry, but to call attention to what is happening in this world today.  We are slipping away from God.  We are redefining what is right and what is wrong.  John plainly states that there is a difference, but in today's post-modern culture the only right that exists is that of consensus. If I can get people to agree with me, then I am right.
John says not to let anyone deceive us.  We must hold tight to what is right and what is wrong according to the Word of God.  It is our only light in a dark world.  And if we let go, who will do it for us?  I watched a show about Ray Lewis, and he said something that resonated with me.  You have to fight for who you are.  You can't let others define you.  That means that some times it will not be nice, because the devil is not nice.  When we try to make nice with him, he steals our identity.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to discern what is right and what is wrong.  Help me to know when to fight and when to concede.  Help me to be loving and caring and to be an honest and worthy reflection of your grace.
Amen