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
In my opinion, one of the most serious deceptions that has spread within the Church is the idea that all religions are paths to God. This is precisely how Francis, Leo XIV’s predecessor, put it. This position was indirectly conveyed in the “Document on Human Fraternity” signed in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, this idea is reflected in the repeated assertion that Jews have their own path to salvation and, therefore, it would not be necessary to preach the Gospel to them, among other similar statements.
A particularly painful case of deception occurred when it was believed that a statue of Pachamama could be publicly venerated in the Vatican Gardens, and it was brought into St. Peter’s Basilica with signs of reverence.
It is evident that a “spirit of deception” is attempting to relativize Christ’s message of salvation and strip the Church of her deepest identity. Certainly, God can and does wish to save those who, through no fault of their own, have not come to know the Lord’s message sufficiently. The Church has never taught anything different in this regard. However, at the same time, she has emphasized that salvation is offered to all people through the Person of Jesus Christ and that it is the Church’s task to proclaim this to all nations. The Risen Lord commanded his disciples to do this (Mt 28:19–20), and it applies to everyone who has embraced faith in the truth.
The examples mentioned already reveal forms of apostasy, or a turning away from revealed faith. If one believes that all religions are on the same level and that they all lead to God, then one is no longer proclaiming the message of the Gospel, nor can one appeal to the doctrine of the Church. Rather, one has fallen into ideologies, fables, and other errors, conforming to the spirit of the world. Accepting such erroneous claims leads to self-deception, if it has not already been fostered by preexisting self-deception.
In this reflection on the deceptions within the Church, which unfortunately are all too numerous, I would like to quote a biblical passage that accurately describes much of what has been said:
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.” (2 Tim. 3:14–17; 4:1–5)
In order to face what we are experiencing and what is yet to come, we must be deeply rooted in love and truth. This means living our lives with sincerity and transparency before God, and not deceiving ourselves. We always have the opportunity to change or improve because a loving Father awaits us when we fail. He meets us with His ineffable mercy, but He expects trust and sincerity from us. If we ask Him to bring everything into His light, God will help us see our faults and wrong attitudes. There is no reason to fear Him, as He always has our salvation in mind. However, we must be vigilant with regard to ourselves so as not to succumb to our human inclinations, justify them, and act as if they did not exist over time.
As for the state of the world and the Church, we must learn to see reality through God’s eyes. Typically, in the face of current dangers, the Church hierarchy would aid the faithful by offering guidance and counsel. Unfortunately, this is not happening because many leaders have fallen into deception themselves and are therefore unable to distinguish the wolves from the sheep.
Here, St. Paul’s wise exhortation to Timothy comes to our aid: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed.”
For us, this means remaining faithful to Sacred Scripture and the Church’s authentic doctrine, “for the time is coming when people will…turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.”
If we put this into practice and do not falter on the path to holiness, the Lord will sustain us in these dark times by keeping our eyes and ears open so that we may reject internal and external deceptions.
Meditation on the Gospel of the Day: https://en.elijamission.net/the-rejection-of-the-gospel-and-its-consequences-2/