Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Published in 1942, “The Screwtape Letters” gathered together a collection of letters that were originally published in a weekly Anglican periodical. These letters were from a higher ranking demon, Screwtape, to a tempter in training, Wormwood, who happened to be this demon’s nephew. At the heart of the letters was advice as to the best methods for destroying the soul. While this book is satire the truth with which it speaks can be convicting at times. The temptations Wormwood tries to inflict are calculating and very cunning in their approach.
In a very real way the temptations are what St. Paul has been trying to prepare the Church for by his intense guidance of the community. Paul wants the believer’s hearts to be ready for anything. Paul recognizes that these followers will be subjected to the test by savage wolves that will come to destroy the flock. Paul reminds them of the three years of formation which they underwent, coincidentally the same length of time as RCIA in the early Church. Their formation roots them firmly in the gracious word of God that will continually build them up. This was St. Paul’s prayer for this community.
In today’s Gospel we encounter Jesus praying for the protection of the community of disciples. The wolves are named by Jesus as son of destruction, (which many scholars consider to be Judas) and the Evil One. Jesus’ prayer is not that the disciples are removed from the world, but that his followers affect the world, without being affected by it. Jesus’ prayer concludes asking that the disciples be consecrated in the truth.How is it that we protect ourselves from the things that draw us away from Christ? Do we actively avoid the near occasion of sin? How do our lives as faithful disciples affect the world in a positive way? How do we deal with the wolves? Can we recognize them for what they are or do we choose to allow the sheep’s clothing to fool us? No matter what, we need to remember what we have been taught and “confess the power of our God.” (Ps 68:36b)
"Almighty God, you have formed us to be faithful disciples who can make a difference in our world. Help us to always remember what we have been taught, so that our lives confess Your power. In this way we will be people, who in conjunction with the Holy Spirit can affect the world in a profound way. Then all of the Kingdoms of the earth will sing your praise both now and forever. Amen. Alleluia!"
-Michael Montgomery