In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns the disciples and us of false prophets who are really ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing. I do not have to look far to find some examples of these disguised ravenous wolves in my own life. I think about when I spend too much time scrolling through social media, sometimes staying up too late. Or when I watch yet another episode of a show, maybe even one I have seen before. My own discernment of these activities is to separate what is deserved relaxation, a break, some time to wind down, to laugh, to perhaps learn something or get lost in a drama. I deserve that time. But when do I cross the line to wasted time? When do I allow the wolves in?

False prophets sound good. They look the part. But when does playing one more computer game, one more video game become too much? It becomes a time of discernment for myself. What is the cura personalis — the care for the whole person? I have to think of my mind, my body, my spirit. We French talk about showing cura personalis to others. We have to take care of ourselves. I applaud and am thankful for modern technology that allows connection and virtual contact, entertainment, relaxation. But I also need stillness and quiet to discern and pray. I need unmediated human connection as a way to show care for others and to have others care for me.

My prayer today is to recognize the wolves on sheep’s clothing that can certainly come in many disguises. I ask for the grace to recognize when too much is too much.