WEEK 12: “the demonic today”
We must be aware and be ready for the demonic attack when we least notice and expect it. The church has already been attacked through the infiltration of the evil one, penetrating in the priest’s hearts.
listen
think
Do you see the demonic and the diabolic of today, or do you not believe that they exist? Even our church stopped talking about the demonic, they seem to believe that everything is joyous and forget the Via Dolorosa (Sorrowful Way). The only things that talk about the demonic are literature, psychology, and the gospels.
In literature, the demonic is depicted as anti-christ and it is always depicted as an attack from within. Literature shows the image of Satan; it describes him as an abomination and he, the demonic, will manipulate the priest inside the Church. As the second coming of Christ comes to fruition, a priest will attack Christ and the priest will banish Christ from the Church which Christ establish.
The psychological depiction of the demonic is shown as a split or tearing apart of a person, becoming double-minded. Do you see today the splitting of our priest and bishops and the laity, there is no unity in the church. Also, this depiction establishes 3 distinct factors of disunity. The love of unity (sex without love), the love of violence, and a split-minded mentality.
The third and last depiction of the demonic is in the Gospels, specifically at the time where Jesus was tempted in the desert. Jesus was tempted three times and the three temptations were; appealing to human pleasure, showing people wonders, and disregarding theology for politics. These three temptations are the three shortcuts of the cross.
As Christ was tempted, so we will be tempted, and the closer we are to Christ, the closer the demonic will be with us, waiting for an opening. We must understand and see the attacks of the demonic and be always vigilant and ready to have final perseverance in our hearts.
pray
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus
(This is a powerful personal prayer when prayed with faith. It is prayer when a person believes that he/she is undergoing some form of demonic oppression and obsession.)
O Jesus, my Savior, my Lord and my God, my God and my All, who, through the sacrifice of the cross, redeemed us and overcame the power of Satan. I beseech you to free me from every harmful presence and influence of evil.
I ask this in Your Name; I ask this for the sake of your wounds, I ask this through Your blood, I ask this for the sake of Your cross, I ask this through the intercession of Mary, Immaculate and Virgin, our Lady of Sorrows. May the blood and water which gushed forth from Your side flow down upon me to purify, free, and heal me. Amen.
Resource
“Catholic Handbook of Deliverance Prayers” By Fr. Jose Francisco C. Syquia Director,
Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exercism (Pg. 166).
act
- Do you believe in the existence of Satan? If you don’t then Satan has won over you. Be watchful and sober for the diabolic spirits will hunt you down like a wild animal
- Ask for the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph Terror of Demons and the Saints. You are not alone in this fight, God’s family is always here to help us and pray for us
- Establish a closer relationship with your guardian angel and ask also for the intercession of the archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.
Meet Isaac, Our Spiritual Guide for these Reflections
My name is Isaac Padriga. I was born in the Philippines and came to the states in 2006. One of my favorite daily activities is practicing filipino martial arts or Eskrima (fencing). It is basically shadow boxing with a stick 🙂 I enjoy the thoughtless flow of motion while performing and executing the various movements . My catholic faith is an important aspect of my life for it is the truth, mystery and guidance that helps me navigate through the ongoing uncertainties and challenges of the secular world. I also have two dogs, one mixed maltipoo/shih tzu, named Molly, and a mixed australian shepherd/labrador, named Copper. And finally, I also like to put two shots of espresso in my lemonade. -_-
Cal Poly Pomona Catholic Newman Club 