How do you know whether the father of lies has been lurking around in your life?
Even Jesus was tempted. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he was drawn out into the desert. What makes us think we will not be tempted? A litmus test to see whether you are being tempted is the presence of sin. In what parts of your life is there sin? Maybe you cannot see this. Where is there greed, sloth, envy, lust, pride, gluttony, wrath, despair, and vanity? To see the father of lies is not to see him directly, but to see his effect. In the Gospel, Jesus often asks the demon his name.
In the story “Harry Potter” people do not want to say the name “Voldermort”. Voldemort is one of the most feared dark wizards in the wizarding world. His name is associated with violence, death, and destruction. Saying his name invokes fear and reminds people of the horrors he has inflicted, leading them to avoid it as a way of coping with their fear. As soon as we identify sin. Where we name it. We think we will be embarrassed. Like there is a stigma in naming the sin. Like we will be laughed at. We will loose reputation. But with God this is far from the truth. Because as soon as we name our demons, they start not having power over us. Towards the end of the “Harry Potter” story, Harry starts to name Voldermort openly and this is exactly when Voldermort lose power.
As soon as we name him, our demons lose power; he is no longer the father of lies. Thus, he twists and makes beauty where it is not. He likes to hide. Where is he hiding in your life? Often there is a deeper reason we do not see or do not want to acknowledge why the sin exists. What is the reason behind the illusion?
Journal and reflect on the following questions
Why is sin difficult to see?
In what areas of my life do I struggle to recognize the presence of sin or temptation?
How do I respond when I sense that I am being tempted or misled?
What specific sins or negative behaviours (such as greed, envy, or pride) do I find most challenging to overcome?
Can I identify any deeper reasons or unresolved issues that contribute to these sins in my life?
How do I seek God's guidance and strength when faced with temptation?
In what ways can I be more vigilant in recognizing the subtle deceptions of the father of lies in my daily life?
How can I cultivate a closer relationship with God to better resist temptation and live in truth and righteousness?
Song - Long I need you
Concluding prayer Loving Father, guide us with Your light and wisdom to recognize the presence of sin in our lives. Help us to see through the illusions and deceptions of the father of lies. Grant us the strength to name and confront these temptations, and to seek Your truth and grace. Fill our hearts with Your love, so we may overcome the shadows that hide within us and walk in the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
(Audio Available)
