Good News Reflection
Thursday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time
August 5, 2010
Today's Readings:
Jer 31:31-34
Ps 51:12-15, 18-19
Matt 16:13-23
http://www.usccb.org/nab/080510.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_08_05.mp3
Breaking down the devil's gates
In today's Gospel reading, when Jesus commissioned Peter to become the rock upon which he would build the Church, he promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against it. Well, has he kept his promise? Or does it feel more like the devil's territory has been prevailing in your parish? Or your personal life or health? Or the faith of someone you know?
Jesus did not say that hell would not win battles against the Church. He said that the GATES of hell would not win. Gates don't attack! Gates protect whatever has been fenced in by keeping out those who are unwelcome.
Who are the gates of hell protecting by keeping out the Church? Everyone we're called to evangelize.
Christians are called to take the offensive – we are to attack the very gates of hell, knock them down, swarm into the enemy's territory with the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) and carry Satan's victims to Christ through our prayers, our outreach, and our love. We are supposed to be helping Jesus rescue people from their old world of sin, supporting them as they limp into God's kingdom, showing them the way, and helping them understand the world of true faith.
That is the mission of the Church (all of the Church, you included). That is evangelization!
When the devil's territory seems to be encroaching – when the powers of darkness seem to be conquering the light – it's only because we're doing too little in and through Christ. We are the Body of Christ on earth; we are his hands and feet and voices and arms that embrace others with his love.
Demons take advantage of the vulnerabilities of sinners. They use the easily-tempted as instruments of their strategies against God's love. We defeat those strategies whenever we find a way to reach sinners' hearts with the love of Christ.
Take a look at what the devil is doing in your parish. Take a look at how you have been wounded by the sins of others. Recall your concerns for those who are living in darkness. In each case, who is the devil using? (Note: I am NOT talking aboutdemonic possession; I am simply referring to the evil that is accomplished when people do not follow the ways of God.)
Identify the people who are instruments of evil, and you will know where to find the gates of hell. Go knock them down! It takes effort, it takes much prayer, and it takes teaming up with others who will fight with you in God's army (saints and angels as well as God's friends here on earth).
It also requires persistence, continually giving sinners God's unconditional love with lots of forgiveness while taking a firm stand against injustices. It requires sacrifice and a willingness to endure attacks. But oh is it worth it! There is no greater way to live than as a victorious warrior of Christ's kingdom!
© 2010 by Terry A. Modica
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