Stumbling Blocks 

   “Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks!  Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!”  (Matt 18: 7) 

   Bishops in Germany are on the verge of schism from the Church; some in this country are as well.  These so-called leaders of the Church are causing great confusion and loss of faith among their flocks by their rejection of God’s truths.  They need to keep in mind Jesus’ warning, “…but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!” (Matt 18: 7).  They will have to answer for the angst they cause the faithful.

   Politicians no longer aspire to do what is best for the country, only what is best for their re-election.  They espouse their faith but live a life with little evidence of the faith they claim.  They rule based on division and hatred causing great divides in the country.  They too will have to answer for the discord they create.

   The news media no longer report the news but shade it by their own biased opinions.  Some denounce conservatives, others attack liberals.  There is no concern for honesty or fairness in reporting, only for higher ratings.  Most of us are somewhere in the middle but the middle doesn’t make headlines, the outrageous does.

   Many of those in the entertainment and sports industry tout every kind of deviate behavior as worthy of praise.  Wanton sexuality is glorified; violence is the accepted norm.  They support any abomination so long as it leads to greater personal recognition and worldly success.

   In the end, it is our responsibility to reject those who would cause impediments to our faith; we cannot allow it to be harmed by the obstacles placed before us.  We must seek the will of God in our life and ignore the worldly concerns that threaten our trust and faith in Him. 

Satan places many obstacles before us.

He wants to draw us away from You.

Give us the strength to reject him.

To overcome his evil ways. 

Amen