Take care that You are not deceived

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:5-11*

*First Reading : Rv 14:14-19*

*Take care that You are not deceived*

*1) Jesus' Warning about getting deceived*

In today's Gospel Jesus says *See that you not be deceived*

Getting deceived in our life is one of the biggest problems, which at times costs us a lot 

So this warning from Jesus we need to take it very seriously and need to analyse it deeply 

*2) What are the things which deceive us*

*A) External beauty and Glory*

The Gospel gives us the example of the temple

People were fascinated with the with costly stones and votive offerings, through which the temple was adorned

So something beautiful externally deceives us. So we need to be careful

*B) False gods*

Jesus also warns about the false gods. 

Jesus says *many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!*

People are easily deceived through the false gods and very often run after these false gods 

The various false gods who control our life would be following

Power, position, authority, pleasure, pride, arrogance, wealth, money, name, fame, etc 

*C) Challenges and Natural calamities*

There are many challenges in terms of problems and crisis. At times they deceive us and take away from the happiness and joy 

The natural calamities, the personal challenges, difficulties deceive us and at times people lose their faith 

So these are the major things which ultimately deceive us 

*3) Am I deceived by Something in life?*

Am I received by my own external beauty?

Am I deceived by my own  knowledge and expertise?/

Am I deceived by my own attractions to the worldly things?

Am I deceived by the desire to name, fame and other external things of the world? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*