Do not be deceived

Most of us have become very good at rationalizing (God have mercy on me).

Our sinful inclinations so easily take advantage of human reason, especially when such rationalization is supported by the smooth words of "experts" - on television, in academia, and sometimes even within the Church.

Today's first reading (Ephesians 4:32-5:8) reminds us that we need to follow Christ and his ways of truth and love and that we should not be dissuaded by the vain words and empty arguments of those who would tempt us to pleasurable paths that ultimately and inevitably end in futility and pain.

Be ye therefore followers of God,
as most dear children:
And walk in love,
as Christ also hath loved us
and hath delivered himself for us,
an oblation and a sacrifice to God
for an odour of sweetness.

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness,
let it not so much as be named among you,
as becometh saints:
Or obscenity or foolish talking or scurrility,
which is to no purpose:
but rather giving of thanks.

For know you this and understand:
That no fornicator
or unclean or covetous person
(which is a serving of idols)
hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words.
For because of these things
cometh the anger of God
upon the children of unbelief.
Be ye not therefore partakers with them.

For you were heretofore darkness,
but now light in the Lord.

Walk then as children of the light.