I followed a devil-worshiper to work yesterday, a sentence I never thought I’d write. Typically, people put bumper stickers of their kids’ schools, sports, or political ideas on their cars. Or, in some cases, have that ‘coexist’ sticker—commentary forthcoming on that one, later—with all the symbols meshed to make the word. But I can honestly report that I’ve never seen an active disciple of satan cruising down the road.
The white minivan had professionally made decals of a goat’s head and horns set into an upside-down pentagram, all in black, set against the white of the vehicle. Interesting choice. Above that resided another pentagram encircled with reverse arcs on either side. Okay. This woman is really into some pagan stuff. At least, that’s what I thought until she rounded a bend and I saw a full-size depiction of a demon on her van. Again, professionally made. Turns out, at another opposite bend, it was mirrored on the other side.
I couldn’t help myself. I started yelling. Not at her, or anyone for that matter, but at the silence in my truck. I was so angry that someone would place that on their ride for the whole world to see. But more than that? I was sad. How have we come to a place in our society when satan is the choice people are making? I don’t care if this is an outlier—I know there are tons more Christians than satanists in the world--it’s the fact that any exist at all that unnerves me. And lastly: Where did this person readily find the desire to accept the tenets of satan rather than the free gift of Christ’s grace?
Has no one told you the Good News? Do you have kids? Do you love them? If yes, then you can’t be a satanist. Love and satan are diametrically opposed. Do you honestly believe that a lifetime of ‘I do what I want’ on earth is worth an eternity of suffering?
Did the church hurt you that deeply?
Did your parents?
What happened?
I had so many questions. I still do. I haven’t been able to shake the image of that van; it’s living rent-free in my head. I also haven’t been able to reconcile a belief system that eschews love and embraces evil. But mostly? I haven’t been able to take an honest look at my own witness in the world and be content with it.
If people are literally turning to the dark side (here’s to you, Vader), then our work is far from finished. Are we talking to strangers about God? Do we even bring up faith with friends? Are we inviting people into this community—not our community, GOD’s community—and welcoming them as they are? Is the message each Sunday one of love, or is it a constant challenge? An exhausting narrative? I deeply desire one thing, and one thing alone: To spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. If we can do that, discipleship is the byproduct. Vans with satan on the side get parked; faith becomes the vehicle that shows our love and who we serve. We cannot become comfortable in our little bubble. People need the message we have on the tips of our tongues and in the deep recesses of our souls.
Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
And all of this was done out of love. Let love be genuine, kindness be our shield, and faith be the driving force behind everything we do. Faith that God isn’t through with us, and that through us, God isn’t done changing hearts and minds everywhere.
Faithfully,
Fr. Sean+