“You have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Rev. 3:8)
As in other passages of Sacred Scripture, this verse from Revelation exhorts us to hold fast to the Word of the Lord and not deny the name of Jesus. Our Father expects this of us because keeping His word means professing and defending our faith. By confessing Jesus, we bear witness to the truth—which is so highly valued in heaven (cf. Mt 10:32).
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.
“The best work we can do in the world is to lead lost souls onto the right path, toward the path of virtue, toward God” (St. John Bosco).
“I come from God, my Father, and I return to Him, for I belong to Him alone” (Message from God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio).
If we look closely at these three statements, we will see that they express all the mysteries of our life. No one but our Heavenly Father has given us life and made us sharers in His infinite love. No one but He could call us into existence out of nothing. Therefore, from the moment of creation, every person is called to be a messenger of God’s love and a child of His grace—to be His child.
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.
“Always wait until things are clear to you, and don’t rush into anything!” (Inner Word)
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.
“If I were to list all the signs of Your love, I would fail. Even if I had the tongues of all people and angels, I could not describe the gifts of nature, grace, or glory that flow from You” (St. Bonaventure).
Luke 1:46–55
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
he has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” Read More
“You can do everything in Me, and everything will work out if only you remain in Me and live this love.” (Inner word)
