Friday of the 4th week in Lent
Theme: The devices of evil men
The 1st reading from the book of wisdom, presents to us the plotting’s of people who could not stand the challenges thrown at them by the righteous. As a result of that, they are plotting to ensure that the righteous are discredited and destroyed. The life style of the righteous exposes the evil devices of the evil men. My brothers and sisters in Christ, as children of God we are all encouraged to embrace the way of the righteous and guide against the evil imaginations of the ungodly. Our disposition towards objective criticisms will help us to become better people and children of God. We must not always plan for the downfall of those who confront us with facts about our way of life. In such a moment, our quest for revenge will easily lead us astray. Let us learn to hand everything to God, and allow him to fight our battles for us. He never fails or disappoints anyone who trusts in him with all their heart.
In the gospel reading from St. John, we see Jesus escaping the devices of evil men, because his hour has not yet come. In the same way my brothers and sisters in Christ, people can also decide to plot evil against, but it is God that has the final say about what will happen. If the hour has not yet come, according to the timing of God, no plan of evil against us will succeed. Therefore, we must learn to trust in God at all times, no matter the situation we find ourselves. He has the final say about our life and not anyone else. The question is, do you believe that it is God that has the final say about anything that happens in our life?
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the liturgy during this season of Lent exposes us to the challenges that we are exposed to as followers of Christ. Jesus Christ our Lord and master have walked through the path of cross and came out victorious. In the same way, you and I as follows of Christ must also walk that path of the cross that leads to victory. We have all it takes to come out victorious like Christ did; his grace is sufficient for us. Trust in God and continue to do your best as a child of God; he will never fail you.
May God bless his words in our hearts. Peace be with you.