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In our Gospel reading today we continue through the Last Supper Discourse in the Gospel of John. Jesus makes a statement that that is somewhat alarming when you first hear it: “the ruler of the world is coming.”
Jesus is referring to the devil. Satan has taken possession of Judas who will soon appear leading a band of men representing all of sinful humanity. They will arrest Jesus and set off the course of events that led to His passion, death and Resurrection.
Jesus tells us the devil has power in this time and place, but He also tells us the devil “has no power over Me…” Since the devil is a creature, he cannot have power over Jesus, the Son of the living God who created everything.
A question for our reflection today is: What power does the devil have in my life?
There is a famous quote from St. Padre Pio that may help us: “The devil is like a mad dog tied by a chain. Beyond the length of the chain he cannot catch hold of anyone. And you, therefore, keep your distance. If you get too close you will be caught. Remember, the devil has only one door with which to enter into our soul; our will…”
The devil only has power and influence in our lives if we give it to him. He may rule in this time and place, but our free will allows us to make decisions every day to keep our distance from the mad dog and follow God.
St. James tells us: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Let us pray that God gives us the strength we need to avoid temptation and deliver us from evil as we choose each day the path that draws us closer to Him.
-Deacon Steve Whiteman