“We are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.”
1 John 3:2
In her history, the Church has “baptized” several pagan holidays, as our ancestors in the faith knew better than to tell people not to celebrate. The solemnity of All Saints Day and its vigil, All Hollows Eve, strike me as wonderfully appropriate examples since few things fill demons with fear more surely than a saint. That ought to be especially clear to us in the year of Saint Joseph, since one of his titles is “Terror of Demons.” There’s something fascinating about the thought of mysterious dangers lurking in the dark, such that an entire industry has grown around horror-themed entertainment. But amid this curious appetite for fear, we can sometimes forget that as followers of Christ, we ought not to be afraid of evil. Rather, evil ought to be afraid of us. “We are God’s children now,” John tells us today’s first reading. “What we shall be has not yet been revealed.” We are each called to be saints, and that means being among those before whom the Gates of Hell will not prevail. Hell’s forces are hiding behind their walls, cowering in fear. Are we ready to join the saints in that mighty assault?
Are you afraid of evil when it ought to be evil that is afraid of you?
Lord, let me fear nothing but offending your Sacred Heart.
Today's reflection is by:
Deacon Donald Amodeo
Did you know...
Deacon Donald Amodeo is a transitional deacon for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was ordained on April 17th and, God-willing will be ordained to the priesthood in May 2022. Author of the afterlife adventure "Dead & Godless," Don is an avid reader and a fan of apologetics, coffee, and cast-iron skillets. His home parish is St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampa.
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