During Fr. Tom’s sermon on Sunday, January 26th, something truly resonated with me. The gospel reading was about Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Jesus saw Zacchaeus and spoke to him. Fr. Tom reminded us that Christ always notices us, but we often fail to notice Him. He posed a thought-provoking question: “How can He notice you if you don’t step out into the light?” This question rang true for me as I reflected on the shadows I cling to out of fear or confusion. John 14:27 reminds us, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In this time of spiritual warfare, it’s hard not to be afraid. How do you know it’s safe to step onto Christ’s radiant path He has built for you and trust that He is the one guiding you?
I recently reflected on the discussion our Bible Study group had about 2 Corinthians 11:14, which cautions “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” This verse is a powerful reminder of the deceptive nature of evil, often appearing benign or even virtuous. I wondered how often I am deceived by Satan, mistaking his illusions for Christ’s guidance. An illusion tricks our senses into perceiving something that isn’t true or right. It distorts our reality, much like how Satan disguises his true intentions to mislead us. As humans, we are drawn to many things that take us away from Christ—wealth, possessions, social status, fame, entertainment, career ambitions, comforts, addictions, and vices. Satan aims to mislead us, making us think we are pursuing something good by creating illusions that trick our senses. Admittedly, I often blame myself, thinking I am a bad person or it’s all my fault, but that’s just the story I tell myself because I fell for the illusion and frankly it’s a story that needs to be silenced.
The illusion of goodness can lead us down a dark, shadowy road. We might think we see light in that darkness, but it’s only an illusion. Today, Christ is reminding us to wash away this illusion that is trapped and step out into the true light. Christ’s light. How do we step out of this shadowy darkness that we have been tricked into entering and cross over the threshold into the true light? I have some ideas and would love to practice them with you.
Stay grounded in Scripture. Take some time every day to read the Bible. You can join our Bible study for guidance and reflection with others.
Prayer and reflection are essential. Regularly communicate with God. Ask Him to be with you and guide you.
Embrace the stillness and silence that come with prayer and reflection. It is only then that you will see things more clearly.
Come to church services and events and engage with our beautiful community.
Ask God for wisdom to recognize these illusions and the courage to reject them.
Last but certainly not least… share your stories with others. Fr. Tom always talks about how our stories are meant to be shared. I am reminded often that shame can’t survive when your story is shared openly and honestly with trusted friends.
My friends, as we navigate these challenging times, it’s important to remember that Christ is always with us and sees us. He is illuminating the path and inviting us to step out onto this radiant path to be with Him. Christ wants to notice you and He wants you to notice Him. I will close with this short prayer for all of us.
Lord, thank you for seeing us even when we don’t always see You. We ask You to open our hearts and minds to notice You in all things. Help us to embrace Your will for us and to walk with faith along the path You have illuminated so radiantly for us. Fill us with the wisdom, discernment, and strength to reject the illusions and deceptions that lead us astray. May we remember that in our weakness, you are our strength and help to strengthen our resolve to walk in Your truth. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever amen.
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.