Serpents and Doves

This year I was blessed to return to my home in Colorado for a family vacation. We visited all the ‘normal’ places I wanted to share with my family. The mountains of Colorado are wild, yet tame. Around every corner you risk being buried under a rockslide or in the presence of any number of wild animals. Warning signs lead the way. It is safe to enjoy beauty so long as you keep your eyes open for danger.

The Lord said to his disciples, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 10.16-22

It is almost as if Jesus was warning me about my trip to Colorado. Not really, but today’s reading reminded me that we still live in the midst of wolves. Wild animals are not the only thing we must beware. Our political leaders are just as dangerous as any serpent underfoot.

The political elite have been fighting against the Church for as long as the Church has been. Today the Church commemorates the memory of the Seven Maccabee Youth. They were killed by the elites remaining faithful to God and His Law. The elites might not be killings, yet, but nobody can deny we are under constant pressure to abandon our Holy Traditions in favor of the ‘new way’ of the world. It isn’t new.

The Church also commemorates the procession of the Holy Cross today. In the ancient Christian kingdom, the Holy Cross was processed through the city during the month of August for protection against illness. The people were blessed to venerate the Holy Cross. Today, many ignore the Cross whether they are healthy or not.

So, my brothers and sisters, Christ is calling us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves in our world. Serpents avoid being stepped on but are always ready to defend themselves when absolutely necessary. Serpents don’t attack for spite, only for defense. Doves fly often innocently build their nests on the ground, but fly away the moment the sense danger.

The early Christians understood the danger they faced every day. That did not stop them for being faithful to Christ and His Church. They preached, mostly in the safety of their homes. They worshipped, many times in secret. When they were ‘given up’ to the elites, they defended themselves. Sometimes their defense even converted the hearts of those who watched their trials.

You don’t have to walk around constantly watching over your shoulder. You don’t live in a spy movie. The world isn’t going to leap out and attack you for being Christian. We can learn to coexist with the dangers of the world. Just as serpents and doves continue to thrive, we can thrive with God’s grace and our faithfulness to Him.

The world around us is filled with beauty. It is also filled with spiritual dangers. Enjoy the beauty but beware of the danger. Pay attention to the warning signs and you will be ok. When you’re backed into a corner, go ahead and defend yourself if you cannot fly away.