The Definition of Satan

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eighteenth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:13-23*

*First Reading : Jer 31:31-34*

*The Definition of Satan*

*1) Satan in Today's Gospel*

In the Gospel of the day we have a reference to the Satan 

In fact Jesus is rebuking Peter, by saying *Get behind me, Satan* for his opinion on the Suffering death and resurrection

Jesus explanation also involves what are the activities of the Satan and what it does 

*2) One who is obstacle for God's plan*

In responding to Peter, Jesus also gives a new definition of the Satan 

One of the Works of the Satan to bring the obstacle for God's Holy Work 

The same Satan tries to bring a obstacle for Jesus through Peter 

*3) Does not allow one to think according to God's mind*

Another evil thing which the Satan does is, it does not allow us to think according to God mind 

Since Satan is working against God, it can't accept God's will 

So through its crooked ways it will not allow us to think and act according to God's will  

*4) Encourages to think according to Human Desire*

Human desire is always filled with selfishness and greed 

One who thinks according to worldly way, can't think about God and His Holiness 

So human desire for easy life, pleasurable life and immoral life is very much found in our life 

The moment we are controlled by the Satan our attention fully goes into the Worldly things 

*5) Christ without Cross*

Another tactics of Satan is to separate Christ and the Cross

There is a indissoluble unity between Christ and the Cross. No one can separate these two realities. 

Satan work is to show these are two realities and to avoid the Cross so that people may not reach to Christ

*6) Happiness without pain*

The Satan uses this shortcut method for happiness. 

Avoid all pain and try to get happiness

In reality it can't happen. *No pain means no gain*

Satan convinces that to have happiness with out pain. Such an attitude makes the follower desperate when one does not get the happiness

*7) Satan is within Us*

In the beginning Jesus praised Peter for His great answer about the messiah. Here he was Rock 

Towards the end we see, the same Peter is addressed as Satan 

Both were found in Peter. 

So the Satan is arround us or at times it is within us.

Such a Satan continuously works within us trying to destroy our true self 

Jesus says *be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour* 1PET 5:8

What is my attitude towards Satan??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*