The Scorpion and the Turtle

There once was a turtle and a scorpion. They were on a small island in the midst of a river that was on the rise due to spring rains. They needed to swim to land for safety.

As the turtle prepared to get in the water, the scorpion asked if he might ride him on the turtle's back. The turtle quickly replied, "No." The scorpion asked, "Why?"

The turtle responded that the scorpion would sting him once they were safe on dry ground. The scorpion reassured the turtle that would never happen.

The turtle finally gave in and off they went into the water. Just as they were reaching shore, the scorpion stung the turtle. As the turtle lay dying he asked the scorpion why he had broken his word? The scorpion replied, "I could not help it. I am a scorpion."

The nature of evil does not change regardless of how convincing its words. I am not saying that people cannot change. I am saying, however, that this is a time for us to put on our discernment re people and situations. What people say and what they do can be very different. Jesus said that you will know them by their fruit. Regardless of what a scorpion tells you, it will always be a scorpion and will do what scorpions always do. So put on the whole armor of God and stand firm. Don't be duped by evil. Instead, expose it and return evil with good.

Blessings,
Father Scott +