Scripture:
Revelation 14:14-19
Luke 21:12-19
Reflection:
Lead Astray
“See to it that you are not misled “LK 21:8 The Greek inspired word for misled in Gospel today is planao. It means to stray, to lead astray, get lost. It’s importance is shown that it is used 46 times in NT. For instance it is used in Matthew 18:12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray planao, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” Without a shepherd it would be killed by lack of water, food, or wild beasts!
In today’s world we are constantly bombarded with a thousand voices that can lead us to a harmful end. Christ is the light of the world and we walk in a very dangerous environment without His light! “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25 How right Jesus was when He said: “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” Matthew 24:11 It is well we say the Our Father so often. “led us not into temptation (testing)”
As a practical example our faith in eternal life. So many of our modern movies and TV are very confused about this basic teaching of Christ. Jesus strongly warned us: “He said to them, Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are greatly mistaken.” The exact translation “greatly lead astray” planao Mk 1:27 Someone asked Daniel Boon if he ever got lost in the wilderness of Kentucky. He said “no never!”. “However I was confused for three days once.” I think many today are dangerously confused about the next life! Why such effort to kill the unborn! “Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray (planao) in their heart; they have not known my ways.’” Hebrews 3:10
Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.