Nameless
The most faithful member of our church is Satan.
Never misses Mass. Attends every meeting.
Fully engaged in every aspect of the community.
He prefers to remain unnoticed,
standing behind a pillar or in the shadows,
not only in the sanctuary, but also our consciousness.
We too often, too easily, unwittingly collaborate with
him,
judging out of a sense of righteousness,
withdrawing to remain safe and secure.
So skillful he is at prodding and provoking,
pushes our buttons just with a glance.
It’s more comfortable to buy into the lie
that he does not exist, is not present with us.
Oh God, forgive us for what we have done
and what we have failed to do at the hands of the tempter,
the one who persuaded you to test Job,
the one who spoke through Peter, James and John,
and who acted through Judas.
Oh God, help us to recognize the temptations
and use them as opportunities
to grow closer to you through each other.
Reflection and Prayer
Ask God to reveal to you where and how you are vulnerable to temptation to act in unloving ways. Receive this knowledge with love and encouragement. Receive Jesus’ promise to help you when you ask for his help. And remember…every temptation is an opportunity to turn instead toward God, to turn toward Love, to invite Jesus deeper into your life.