A deeply moving reflection on Luke 21:8, where Jesus warns, “See that no one may lead you astray,” calling us to remain faithful through prayer, truth, and purity in a deceiving world. (16-11-25)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “See that no one may lead you astray” (Matthew 24:4). Hear it again slowly. See that no one may lead you astray. See that no one may lead you astray.
A few years back, a story appeared in a big newspaper. A married woman, with a husband and two children, began to chat with a stranger on a social site. He was kind in his words. He listened. He praised her. He said he loved her. Day by day she believed him more. He promised her a better life. She left her home and travelled a long way to meet him. When she reached the place, the man was not as he had appeared online. He was old. He had used lies and false pictures. Her life broke. Her family was shattered. This is not only a sad news item. It is a warning. See that no one may lead you astray.
The danger is not only about love or marriage. We are led astray in little ways every day. Advertisements tell us we are not beautiful enough. They tell us we must buy more to be happy. Fashion asks us to forget modesty. Food invites us to forget measure. Pleasure tempts us to forget holiness. Screens bring a thousand voices that whisper, follow me. Each small step seems harmless. One day we find ourselves far from home. See that no one may lead you astray.
Young people are easy to fool because they long for love and excitement. A friend says, “Just try once.” A stranger promises quick money. A group offers a fun night and more. The first step looks small. Then the second, then the third. Soon the life is damaged. The devil does not come like a monster. He comes with a smile. He speaks softly. He makes sin look sweet. That is why Jesus keeps saying, See that no one may lead you astray.
The Bible shows those who stood firm. Joseph in Egypt refused the wife of his master and said, “How then could I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). Daniel chose not to eat the king’s rich food so he could stay pure before God (Daniel 1:8). Susanna preferred death rather than sin and said it was better to suffer than to sin before the Lord (Daniel 13:23). Even our Lord Jesus faced the tempter in the desert and answered with the Word, “It is written” (Matthew 4:1–11). From them we learn plain and strong lessons. See that no one may lead you astray.
Saints teach us the same truth. A young girl like St. Agnes kept her faith even when threatened. St. Maria Goretti died rather than betray purity and she forgave her attacker. St. Dominic Savio said simply, “Death rather than sin.” St. Teresa of Avila warned that the devil will try to make us lukewarm when he cannot make us fall. Little by little we can drift. That is a slow leading astray. See that no one may lead you astray.
What can we do? Not many big things. Small steady things. First, pray each day. A short prayer in the morning and one at night. A quick blessing on the children before school. These keep our hearts near God. Second, fast sometimes. Fasting gives the soul strength to say no. Third, read the Gospel a little each day. The Word of God clears the fog. Fourth, go to confession and the Eucharist. These sacraments give courage and healing. Fifth, teach the young to be careful with the phone and the screen. Tell them not to trust every friendly message. Sixth, choose friends who build you up. Good company helps us walk the right road.
Parents, you hold the front line. Teach your children to pray. Teach them to love the Bible. Watch over their company. Talk to them honestly about danger in the online world. Families that pray together grow strong together and are less likely to be led astray.
Jesus does not use this warning to frighten. He says it because He loves us. See that no one may lead you astray. Hold these words in your heart. Say them to yourself when you open your phone. Say them when someone promises easy joy. Say them when fashion or pleasure calls. They are a simple shield.
When our hearts stay near Jesus, false voices cannot take root. His truth keeps us free and steady. Remember the stories of Joseph and Daniel and Susanna. Remember how Jesus used the Scripture against the tempter. Follow their simple courage. See that no one may lead you astray.
Jesus, let me walk with you that no one may lead me astray.
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God Bless…
