In the Hands of Satan

Christianity views Satan as a former angel who fell after rebelling against God and is the embodiment of all evil. Judaism views Satan as an “accuser,” or “tempter,” who embodies human tendencies to veer from our responsibilities to the world and others. Some say that Judaism doesn’t believe in Satan at all.  Others say that Hitler was Satan.  Hitler has long since passed away though, so does that mean that Satan passed away with him? I bring up the idea of Satan and temptation in the current context of how people are dealing with the coronavirus nowadays.

On May 22nd of this year, Trump declared that synagogues and houses of worship can open up. Before that time, the number of people infected with coronavirus had gone down rapidly. Now, as I walk the streets, I see people walking around confidently, smiling, and not wearing masks. I can’t help but wonder, “Are these people that assertive about helping the homeless?”

“Are they so self-assured they could welcome a boy or girl at risk into their homes?” 

“Could these people be so assured that, when they see a poor, hungry animal they could confidently leave food out for them and might save their lives?”

“What about being confident for world peace?”

“Or confident about being able to help a friend?”

Whether or not they’re assertive about those things, they most assuredly are happily confident about a virus (and a not-so friendly virus, I might say) apparently not affecting them.  Whereas these people walk around without a mask, I walk outside with two masks plus a shield. There’s something about the smiles on these people’s faces, about their seeming ability to believe that the virus has now gone and it’s all safe that brings chills to my body.

This is why I brought up the word, “Satan.” Are we in the hands of Satan or just irresponsible people? Not too long ago, we had large numbers of people dying in New York City and around the world. Now, while it has only been a couple weeks, and the numbers do look promising, and I don’t mean to be pessimistic; but could it be that the number of people infected has gone down because of the quarantine? It’s kind of like how a person saves a lot of money but then says, “Now I can go on a shopping spree.” Well, if that’s the case, I get it. I guess in a way, it is much more risk-free, in the same token that someone who has been saving money can supposedly allow themselves to spend more than others. Nonetheless, while we might not know what will happen with the virus in a few weeks or months (or whether it will be safe to not wear masks anymore) we definitely know what will happen to a person who spends endless amounts of money without setting anything aside. Even those who’ve won the lottery can became broke, because they thought that there was no way they’d run out of money.

You get it? 

Even if they’re filthy rich, they can eventually become impoverished.

Who is telling us that it’s ok to walk around without masks? Is it a good and decent person? Are they stable? Do they have our best interests at heart? Most important of all, are they a psychic or God who can predict what would happen to you?

In the Bible, Satan is seen as vicious and selfish. Sometimes he can tempt us with a sweet face because he doesn’t want what’s best for you. Don’t be in the hands of Satan. Keep wearing protective gear until there is a vaccine and use your confidence for other things, such as learning how to be a better person.  Yes, be confident that the world needs you, and you have lots to offer.