Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9
I remember being fascinated in my childhood by documentaries about lions, perhaps due in part to the release of my favorite Disney movie, The Lion King, in 1994. In one of those documentaries, I first learned that lions hunt in packs using the element of surprise because they do not have the energy to sustain themselves in a long chase. A successful hunt for lions means slowly prowling unnoticed until they are close enough to attack.
The image of lions sneaking up on their prey is quite vivid in today’s First Reading. By way of the prowling lion, St. Peter tells his audience that the devil does not announce his presence, but rather, waits for an opportune moment to strike with seduction and temptation away from God. If we are unprepared, we will be relatively weak against the attack and are more likely to fall into sin. We have just finished celebrating the Octave of Easter and Christ’s victory over death and sin. St. Peter urges us to remain in the graces of Easter and in the freedom from slavery to sin that Christ won for us. We stay vigilant against the enemy by remaining in these Easter graces.
Where have I noticed temptation sneak up on me and how is the Lord inviting me to stay with him in those times?
Risen Lord, draw near to us always, especially in moments of temptation and weakness, that we may remain with you and not stray from the path of the salvation you won for us.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Deacon Christian Galvan
Did you know…
Deacon Christian Galvan is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He is in his Third Theology year at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL. His home parish is St. Stephen in Riverview. He worked in engineering design and construction management for five years before discerning the call to the priesthood. He enjoys singing, cooking, Rays Baseball, and Notre Dame Football.
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