Home invasion is an all-too-common reality in South Africa. We have all spoken to people whose houses have been robbed or who have been at home when crooks have broken in. Some of us may even know people who have been injured or killed during a burglary. It is a traumatic experience that can leave scars for years. People become afraid to return to their homes at night or alone. Others have
flashbacks to the moment they walked into their house after a robbery. Other people get vicious dogs or, worse, guns to protect them in case such an invasion of their home happens again. In extreme cases, some people leave their homes and try to find a more secure space. They go to the fourth floor of a block of flats or a gated community and never have a garden again, or they emigrate to another country where they hope their homes will never be broken into.
In Kenya, many homes have an ‘askari,’ a watchman who opens and closes the gate when a family member approaches. But even that is not a failsafe. Last week, one of our Jesuit communities in Harare was attacked, and the robbers first took control of the night watchman by roughing and then tying him up. Then, they could go through the house and school to steal anything valuable. The fathers were beaten up with a rifle butt and bricks—a traumatic experience
for everyone.
Even in Jesus’ time in the Ancient Near East, home invasions were a reality. That is why Jesus tells us this brief parable. Of course, he’s probably telling it for a ‘spiritual’ reason, like, “Keep strong against the attacks from the evil one” – it seems to fit into this context. Do not allow evil to get a foothold in your life because that weakens your defences against any worse attacks. We should take the
‘spiritual’ reading seriously, of course. But also protect ourselves, our families, and our homes in prudent and nonviolent ways.
How do I cope with living in a violent society? Have I become hardened and violent as well? Do I trust the Lord to protect me and, at the same time, do everything in my power to remain safe? Have I had a violent encounter which I have not “dealt with” to put aside vengeance and hatred? Do I go
through life with a victim mentality? Do I take unnecessary risks?
Reflections by Peter Knox SJ
