The Satanic Trap

Meditation for Monday of the 26^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Job 1:6-22; Lk 9:46-50)

This week we shall be reading from the Book of Job. The man Job is popularly known for his suffering. Today’s reading reveals the background of the story behind Job’s suffering. As we meditate on the beginnings of his ordeal, we come understand deeper how Satan operates.

 

When God asked him where he went, Satan answered, “From going back and forth on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” He wanders everywhere, prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Pet 5:8). He is restless, unstable and inconsistent. You cannot fully master his tricks. He tries to lure us to be restless and unstable too. That is why we must be watchful of impulsive behavior or that irresistible pump to act, especially when it involves actions that are inconsistent with our commitments or purposes in life.

 

God praised Job for his uprightness and faithfulness; a man who turns from evil and would not fall for the tricks of Satan. Imagine how hurtful this would be to the proud evil spirit! He felt humiliated, and answered God immediately, saying, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth your and now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” You see how Satan convinced himself that all men are under his control, and that men worship God for their own benefits, and not for God’s own glory. Think about how this satanic understanding of faith for personal gains has eaten deep into our society. It is this false approach to faith that is motivating the current quest for miracles. This kind of practice has made many Christians restless and unhappy.

Then, God said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand.” The devil went forth to strip Job of all his possessions and all the good things of life that made his life worthwhile. Imagine if Job was attached to any of things he owned. It would have been easy for Satan to lure him away from God. But, while Job prospered, he saw all he had a God’s gratuitous gift, unmerited favor. Whatever we are attached to, or whoever we are attached, becomes a weak link for us to be trapped by Satan. On the other hand, if we worship God and follow Him like little children, in humility and total abandonment to His will, there is no evil we cannot overcome. Even if misfortune befall us, God will surely raise us up. That is why at the end of all the attack of Satan, Job worship God and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Amen.  

 

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday September 26, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com