Getting Caught up in the Show: The Devil, the Greatest Actor

So I have to confess, I have a problem with getting hooked on movies and tv shows. And now with Netflix and Amazon Prime, I have countless tv seasons at my finger tips!  Now, there are lessons we can learn in stories, but at the same time we can be led astray by the things we watch!  To start off Lent in the Holy Land I was given new insight about the need to be careful not to get caught up in the alurement of show!

We started our Ash Wednesday with Mass in Capernaum, a town of St. Peter's mother-in-law and most likely the beginning of one of the earliest Christian communities.  In the homily, the priest focused on the Gospel where Christ calls the people not to be like the hypocrites.  The priest defined a hypocrite as someone who is an actor.  As an actor, they act to portray someone/something they are not.  A person will portray on TV to be a doctor, lawyer, cop, etc. but in real life is not one.  A hypocrite in the Scriptures act to be humble, but in reality was very prideful of their actions.  They act to be caring for the poor and the sick, but they dismiss the poor and the sick when they encounter them on the street.  It was then that it was made clear.  The greatest hypocrite and actor is the devil!  He portrays to give something substantial, but in reality gives something very shallow.  He promises to bring about freedom and fulfillment, but what he really brings about is enslavement and destruction, a life of sadness and anguish.

On Easter Vigil, we will be blessed to have countless people proclaiming their Baptismal promises for the first time.

Do you reject Satan?  (Response, "I Do")

And all his works? (Response, "I Do")

And all his empty show [also can use the word promises]? (Response, "I do")

Satan is putting on a show!  Trying to deceive us! That is why Lent is so important.  It's a time to go beyond the show that the world portrays.  To take our faith deeper with fasting, alms giving, and praying.  We need to ask the Lord to help us remove all distractions from Him.  Let's not get caught up in the show and let's start living!

"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the things of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them and not turning your back on your own" Isaiah 58:6-7