See that you not be deceived

22 NOVEMBER (Lk 21,5-11)
History is the great book that every man is obliged to read, because he himself is a part of it, to reach the fullness of the truth which redeems and saves him. History is made of people who deceive and of people who let themselves be deceived. Jesus asks his disciples to watch so that no one is fooled. Let us read a passage from the Gospel according to John. It will help us understand Jesus’ warning.

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'” He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. Some in the crowd who heard these words said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But others said, “The Messiah will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not scripture say that the Messiah will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this one.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” Then each went to his own house (Jn 7,37-53).

The guards sent to arrest Jesus, are accused by the chief priests that he fooled. See that no one deceive you! It is not the guards of having allowed to be fooled. The soldiers are faced with the history of truth. They see it with their own eyes. Jesus is not the man that the chief priests want him to be. Take the right decision. They recognize to that man gifts, qualities and unique features. Direct experience with him changes their thinking and their life. The same discernment must be done when faced with falsehood, lies, inventions and fantasies that often history offers us as a well hidden poisoned portion so that we can take it without even suspecting. Vigilance is required of all. But we can be vigil if we really, truly and deeply know who Jesus is. Without the knowledge of Him in the Holy Spirit, for sure we will let us be deceived and for us it will be darkness, confusion and loss of true light.

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

History is deceit, it is lie, it is falsity and it is confusion. Every man is obliged not to let himself be overwhelmed by the darkness of history. Every man is obliged to look after himself. This truth needs to be the light that governs our steps and our every relationship. History wants to deprive us of Christ. Depriving us of Him, it might deprive us of everything else. Only Jesus Christ is the true light that enlightens our existence in its every smallest event or relationship. When history will have deprived us of Christ, the doors of the prison of darkness, confusion, deception, swindle and all falsehoods open for us. We lack the true light and for this reason we are exposed to the mercy of others. All our highest attention is necessary. No one must allow to let himself be deprived of Jesus.

Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redemption, Angels and Saints make us wise, prudent and cautious.