Praying Together 21st May 2023

In the past few weeks, some people have been distributing a ‘Newspaper’ called ‘The Irish Light’. It looks plausible—the format and typeface is very similar to the Irish Independent, probably with a view to establishing credibility, which in itself is suspicious.

In fact, it contains some of the most vile and disgusting articles I have read in a long time. Claiming to be Christian, it is profoundly racist, anti-refugee, anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim. In addition it spouts the most outrageous conspiracy theories.

In a free country, it has every right to print what it likes. But when it actually praises arson by the Hitler Youth, I believe that constitutes incitement to do the same, and as such it should be classed as a hate crime and therefore illegal.

I can think of no other description of this trash other than just plain evil, propagated by demons. If offered a copy, you must decide for yourself to accept it — I can’t tell you what to do or not to do.
But ‘Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.’ 1 Peter 5:8

Jesus knew that His disciples – then and now – would face attack. There has been persecution, prejudice and propaganda throughout the ages, driven by greed, hatred and jealousy for no real reason other than to establish superiority over others, if necessary by force. The concepts of unity, servanthood and love for neighbour are incompatible with such attitudes, which is why at the end of the Last Supper, He prays for protection for all those who will follow Him and seek to live as His ongoing body on earth, needed now more than ever when the powers of darkness deploy modern technologies to divide and deceive.

People ask how to discern truth from the well-crafted lies of the enemy. Protected by His promise, the answer is simple. In prayer, just ask whether you can see Jesus in their words and deeds. As Steve Earle sang – I don’t remember learning how to hate in Sunday School.