Father's Reflection 12.11.22

Part Two: Captured

Fr. John Riccardo’s analysis of Scripture as “game film” is masterful. In competitive athletics preparation is key, as is knowing your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. For it is only then that a gameplan for success can begin to emerge. And that is where game film comes in. 

Our Heavenly Father loves us with an infinite love and being a good Father, He has provided us with not only answers to questions such as (a) where do we come from, (b) where are we going, (c) how do we get there, but also insights into our opponent. The game film He has provided us helps us to (a) know our opponent, (b) understand his strategy, (c) and come up with a gameplan for victory in His son. 

Our Heavenly Father has also revealed why the enemy fell from grace. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who are allied with him experience it (Wis. 2:24). Now envy is a deadly sin which can perhaps best be understood as a kind of sadness at the good fortune of another. And it is absolutely tragic! 

The saints tell us that before the immensity of God’s dream for the Incarnation Lucifer was driven to madness, refusing to accept or to serve God’s plan. What Lucifer failed to remember in that moment was how much he was loved by God and this is precisely what is most tragic about envy, that the sadness or grief over another’s good fortune should distract from the love God has for each one of us as individuals. May that be a warning for each one of us. 

Praise God for the “game film” which reveals all of this to us. Next up, rescued.