Power Struggle

In today’s first reading from 1 John (5:14-21) the author provides a confusing and contradictory statement.   He says, “…We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One…”  How can that be when Jesus says near the very end of Matthew (28:18): “…All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me…”  Who has the power!? 

Some would say the power rests in the hands of those who manipulate us through carefully crafted and persuasive advertising convincing us that our lives our incomplete unless we have this or that despite the financial burden created by having “it.”  For many of us life is all about acquiring power in one form or another and using any means to get it – then keep it.

The new Star Wars movie reminds us of the back and forth battle between the dark and light sides.  This battle rages within all of us because we have both sides with each competing for control and domination, for power over us.

That competition is affected by outside influences and in the political arena especially by money.   Consider Paul’s letter to Timothy in which he said: “…For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains…” 

For most of us, Jesus is the light to which we can turn giving us the power of good over evil in our lives.  The alternative is to dim his light and then be pierced with many pains.

Deacon David Pierce