17 October | Youth
«Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”» Acts 19:28
There is great power in a group. History has shown that when motivated individuals come together with a goal, nothing stops them. Popular demonstrations resulted in the French Revolution and the fall of the absolute monarchy. A “riot” caused the fall of the Berlin Wall, put an end to the Cold War and destabilized the Soviet Union. Around the world, revolutionary movements led several colonized countries to independence.
When people come together, changes happen. However, the cry of the majority does not always represent what is right. An example of this was the gathering of Jesus' contemporaries before the portico of Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea. The crowd shouted euphorically: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Since they thought he was a criminal, the mutineers killed the Son of God. That is why Jesus, before dying, exclaimed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
The crowd rose up in the city of Ephesus to defend the cult of the Greek goddess Diana. The people, instigated by Demetrius and other makers of figurines and miniatures in the temple, opposed the message of Christ's apostles. The reason? The new converts could put the artisans' trade at risk. There, the idol trade was the main source of income. In such a devout city, what spoke loudest was not faith, but profit.
The truth is that the crowd shouts and gets excited, but they don't always think about what they are doing. Few, in an agitated crowd, would be able to explain the reason for their actions. There are people who report having spent more than 72 hours without eating or sleeping, immersed in the frenzy of a music show or partying. They enjoy the moment, raise flags, repeat common phrases, participate in rituals, make symbolic gestures, support causes... all without thinking about the reasons or measuring the consequences.
Beware of the parade that leads to perdition. Don't follow people; follow the Person. Instead of slogans, prefer the Word of God. Remember: you are part of a manipulated mass. You are unique and special. Don't be fooled by those who don't take Jesus seriously. Use your head. Be the head. This is what the Father expects from you today. Think about it!