THE TIME IS NOW

SABBATH

 

Have you heard this story about how Lucifer instructed his devils to come up with plans to entice more people to go to hell? One devil said, “I will tempt them with riches and give them all the treasures of the world. A lot of rich people easily forget God when they have all their treasures to think of. They will put their trust in their wealth instead of God.” But Lucifer said, “That may be true, but that is still not very effective. God can still reach the hearts of some of these rich people that they sometimes have a change of heart and make use of their riches to help build churches, hospitals and all sorts of things that  money can buy to help the needy. Thus, they buy their way to heaven.” Another devil proposed, “I will tempt them to put their trust in science. If they are able to produce all these things through science and technology, they will no longer feel the need for God. They will feel so powerful that they would trust no one but themselves as they make their own miracles.” The devil answered, “Well, for a time it was a cause of alarm for the Church on earth. They initially thought that science was an enemy. But eventually they were able to see how even the works of science can become a tool for evangelization.”

The third devil then said, “I think I will just convince them that there is still much time. That they can do as they please and just turn to God towards the end of their life. To make them lose the sense of urgency, I believe, is the easiest way to entice them to go to hell.” And Lucifer

agreed.

This is exactly the point of Jesus about His radical demand from those He calls to follow Him — that they feel the need to respond and not be delayed by even the most valid of human concerns. They need to have a sense of urgency that establishing God’s Kingdom must never be postponed, or the devil may just take on the task and push their evil agenda instead. “Let the dead bury their dead. Now, you follow me.” Strong words. But if we consider what is at stake, we better heed the call.Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   Reflection Question: Are you one of those who dilly-dally in doing your work for God’s Kingdom?   Lord, fill me with a sense of urgency to respond to Your call to follow You now and not later.                                                                                                                                                                                               St. Machan, pray for us.