Showing all posts by Elija

With regard to self-deception, we have pointed out that this is indeed a dangerous state that can also make one susceptible to the deceptions that occur in the world and in the Church. Before I go into more detail on this tomorrow, I would first like to explain what other circumstances can lead to self-deception.

It is important to consider that some blindness regarding self-knowledge is also partly caused by emotional wounds. For example, if someone was disproportionately harshly reprimanded by his father for every mistake or excessively physically disciplined during his upbringing, he will find it more difficult to recognize God as a loving Father to whom he can open himself unreservedly to confess his faults and sins. In this case, a path of inner healing is necessary because unprocessed wounds can trigger subconscious resistance to God as a benevolent Father. Experiences that have not yet been sufficiently overcome hinder this essential recognition of God.

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Starting yesterday, we have been reflecting on an important topic for our spiritual life—one that will help us fully awaken to the truth, so that our following of Christ may be free from illusions and our witness may shine more brightly in the world. It is crucial not only to put these teachings into practice to shield ourselves from self‑deception, but also to identify and overcome all kinds of deception more easily.

The psalmist exclaims: “But who can discern his errors? Clear thou me from hidden faults.” (Psalm 19:12) In several New Testament passages, Jesus points out the blindness of the Pharisees and scribes (cf. Mt 23:13). God knows the human heart, and nothing is hidden from Him.

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As I have done in recent years, I will occasionally use the daily meditations to explore important topics for our spiritual journey. In this case, we will begin a series on the topic of self-deception, though I will expand on it later, since we are currently facing so many deceptions in the world—and, unfortunately, also within the Church—that we cannot ignore them.

To address the topic of self-deception, I will draw on some passages written by Father Paulus Sladek, OSA. After true knowledge of God, self-knowledge is an indispensable pillar on the path of following Christ. Father Sladek’s texts highlight important aspects that can help us personally and help others who are living in self-deception or are blinded by it, at least in part. In any case, we must be clear that this is no easy task, as many obstacles seek to prevent us from awakening from self-deception.

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