Showing all posts by Elija

Today, we conclude the series on the “Great Deceptions.” In previous reflections, I have repeatedly pointed out that self-deception dims the light of spiritual discernment. Thus, one becomes more prone to falling prey to the deceptions that confront us in the world and even within the Church.

Yesterday, I mentioned that overcoming self-deception is important not only on a personal level and for our Christian witness but also for confronting the deceptions of the Antichrist. If we become spiritually blind, we will not be prepared to resist. On the subject of the Antichrist, I recommend listening to my prepared talk on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzGrEYm-kfA

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In yesterday’s meditation, we spoke of the danger that, if we remain trapped in self‑deception and fail to break free from it, our spiritual discernment may become clouded, so that we are no longer able to clearly recognize the deceptions in the world or in the Church—deceptions that, in reality, we should easily detect thanks to our Catholic faith. We must bear in mind that, generally speaking, these are not mere human errors; rather, in matters as important as those mentioned yesterday, it is the “father of lies” who is at work behind the scenes and spares no effort to lead people astray from the path of salvation—or, at the very least, to make that path more difficult.

The deception I will discuss today affects both the world and the Church. In this context, I would like to point out that I have already addressed this topic in depth in several articles available on my website. Within the framework of this meditation, I will limit myself to discussing it in relation to self‑deception and the great deceptions. Given its importance, I strongly recommend reading the more detailed articles at the following links:

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Consequences of self-deception in recognizing and defending the truth.

As we have reflected on in the last three meditations, self-deception can negatively impact spiritual discernment. Even in the natural realm, we observe that when people overestimate their abilities, overlook their weaknesses, and refuse to accept limitations, their ability to judge correctly becomes clouded or disappears entirely. They are blinded by a false image of themselves.

Just as they struggle to see themselves as they truly are, they also struggle to view others and the events and circumstances that arise with a sober and clear perspective.

Remember that we are called to examine ourselves and everything around us in light of God and act accordingly. This also applies to the events taking place in the world. Next, I would like to point out two examples of practices that have become commonplace in the world—and are even encouraged—but which cannot stand before God. The tragedy is that much of the ecclesiastical hierarchy no longer provides the faithful with the support they need to navigate the confusion they encounter in the world; rather, in some cases, it even contributes to that confusion.

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