The expression "You can't trust anybody" sounds a bit cynical, stated so baldly. But from some points-of-view, it is simply realistic. On the one hand, each of us has hidden depths in our psyche; on the other hand, we don't know what we are going to do in a strange situation till we have been in it.
In putting the Gospel onto action Jesus lived out this principle. We are told: "Jesus knew all people and did not trust himself to them." (Jn 2:24)
Whatever our hidden weaknesses are, when we put the Gospel into action, we are likely to be tested by Satan. Jesus was aware that even his closest follower, Simon Peter, could falter during such testing; so he prayed for him: 'Simon, Simon! Look, Satan has got his wish to sift you all like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail; and once you have recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers.' (Lk 22:32)
A cynical expression? Maybe, maybe not. But certainly, we have good reasons to watch out for and to pray for one another.
