BEWARE OF STRANGERS
image from: I Am the Door (slideshare.net)
(John 10:1-10)
The Gospel today tells us about
the stranger elements. Jesus promotes being good to strangers. The story of the
Good Samaritan is a manifestation of this truism. But in the context of knowing
whom to follow, whom to listen to, whom to take as a director, whom to accept
as a leader, whom to confide in, whom to open oneself to, Jesus warns us
against the stranger elements. In His own words: "A stranger they will not
follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of the
strangers"
Who is that stranger in your
life? Who are those people who mask themselves to deceive you and make you
believe so much about them that is not the truth? Be careful, child of God. The
enemy can go to any extent to prove to be a friend to you while actually he is
a foe. He can cover up his mission and malicious plan for you. He can come with
gifts, fake love etc. He can do a lot to paint himself to mean well.
Do not listen to him. Know the
marks of the stranger even when they are familiar. Know when your friend, relatives
and trusted ones start to speak in the language of the strangers. Once they
start speaking words that are not inspired by God flee for your life. Once they
start leading you astray run for your dear life. Once they begin to feed your
mind with obnoxious ideas pick a holy race. Just remember what Jesus says about
these strange elements. Jesus tells us that they have no good intentions for
us. They are mere deceivers. They are not real. They are never genuine. Their
agenda is evil. They have a role that is strange to the Divine will for you.
Here is their mission in your life as Jesus observed: "...to steal and
kill and destroy."
Now, look into your life well.
What are the virtues stolen from you? Your peace, joy, generosity, innocence,
holiness, life of prayers, dedication to duty, respect etc Who are those who
stole it? Who are those stealing from you? They are the strangers you should
flee from. Who are those who have killed your passion, zeal and positive
dreams? Who are those presently killing your good spirit? They too are the
strangers taking away your opportunity of better life and eternal life. Who are
those destroying your marriage, your vocation, your business, your spiritual
life, your family unity, your community progress, the national peace? They are
also the strangers we should keep far away from us in order not to allow them
destroy us.
Oh yes! Let us beware of them.
They have plans that are strange to the Holy will of God for us. What is the
will of God for us? His will is the
reason for which He came, namely: That we may have life, and have it
abundantly. Any other thing other than this, comes from the evil one. May God
bless us with the life we wish to enjoy in Him.
LET US PRAY
Thank You Lord God for making
Yourself available for us as a Guide. Help us by Your Grace to flee from the
many strangers coming to steal, kill and destroy us. Deliver us from the evil
plans of our enemies and forgive us for the many times we have followed those
we should rather flee from. We ask these through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Monday (Easter,
Weeks 4)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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