Today’s first reading from 1 Corinthians warns that we cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Paul says it clearly so as not to be misunderstood: I do not want you to be partners with demons. He perhaps set the stage for St. Ignatius to discuss the Two Standards. We cannot serve two masters–we must stand under one standard and choose one leader.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples clearly too: Out of the good treasure of the heart the good person produces good, and out of the evil treasure the evil person produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

Often we do not really think about where we stand or whose table we sit at during the course of a day. We may find ourselves grazing mindlessly at a table that does not belong to the Lord. The work of demons is subtle; we often don’t even realize that we have been tempted by what was on the table. That’s why the Examen is so important in Ignatian Spirituality–because we reflect on our day and can see when our hearts have wandered and when the abundance of goodness has saved us at times.

Where is your heart these days? Under whose standard are you standing? To whose table are you pulling up your chair? We are bombarded at this time of year with options. Keep your eyes on Christ when making decisions and trust in God’s goodness.

Peace,

Suzanne