The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Glenn Paul Gomez SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Friday 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Paul Harvey tells the story of how an Eskimo traps a wolf. He coats the blade of a knife with blood and allows it to freeze. Layer upon layer of blood is added until the sharp blade is completely hidden beneath frozen blood.
Then the knife is buried upright in the frozen tundra.
Attracted by the scent, a hungry wolf begins to lick the frozen blood. The taste excites its appetite, and it licks more and more eagerly until all the blood is gone and the blade is exposed. In the freezing cold, the wolf does not feel the cuts on its tongue. Soon its own blood begins to flow. Mistaking it for the blood it desires, the wolf continues licking until it dies, consuming its own life.
This story vividly illustrates the strategy of the devil. The name of his game is deceit. Like the concealed blade, sin often appears attractive, harmless, and pleasurable. Its dangers are hidden beneath an appealing exterior. What begins as a small indulgence can gradually enslave and destroy. As Jesus says of the devil:
“He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
The devil’s purpose is always to divide, deceive, and destroy. Jesus Himself warned:
“The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly”(John 10:10).
This sheds light on today’s Gospel. Jesus casts out a demon and restores a suffering person, yet some accuse Him of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Luke 11:15).
Jesus exposes the absurdity of their accusation:
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” (Luke 11:17-18).
In other words: Why would Satan work against his own objectives? Why would the destroyer restore life? Why would the father of lies liberate people from bondage? Why would the prince of darkness bring light?
The accusation is not only false; it is irrational.
Jesus came not to oppress but to liberate. He came not to wound but to heal. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him giving sight to the blind, strength to the crippled, dignity to the marginalized, forgiveness to sinners, and hope to the hopeless.
Where the devil enslaves, Jesus sets free.
Where the devil deceives, Jesus reveals the truth.
Where the devil brings death, Jesus gives life.
As St. Peter proclaimed:
“He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
The Gospel therefore invites us to be vigilant. The devil rarely presents evil in its true form. Like the blood-covered blade, temptation often appears attractive and harmless. We need the wisdom that comes from God to see beneath appearances and recognize what truly leads to life.
Let us choose Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). For only in Him do we find genuine freedom, lasting peace, and abundant life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, protect us from the deceits of the Evil One. Grant us the wisdom to recognize sin beneath its attractive appearance and the courage to reject whatever leads us away from You. Fill us with Your truth and Your Spirit, that we may walk always in Your light and enjoy the fullness of life You came to give. Amen.
