How to make this time a time of true
conversion, without any concessions to the Prince of Darkness
Every day, we face a spiritual battle. The
Word of God tells us that our life on earth is a constant combat against the
Evil One, and it reminds us who have chosen to follow Christ to be always on
guard for the battering of the devil.
1. Live an ordered life
First off, give importance to prayer,
which is the foundation of your spiritual life. Take time to read the Bible. We
particularly suggest a meditative reading of Matthew 25:35-40.
As well, be firmly rooted in your
vocation, whether it be married, priestly or consecrated life. Whatever your
vocation, be faithful in all things to the call God made to you.
Finally, dedicate some time to the Church.
Of course not everyone is called to full-time ministry, but all of us can
collaborate in one way or another, according to our possibilities.
2. Categorically reject temptation
A major problem in the spiritual life is a
slow or weak response to temptation. But with God’s grace, you can strengthen
your will to firmly and decisively reject temptation as soon as it begins.
Linked to this: We often have temptation because we place ourselves in a
situation that is close to sin. Remember this proverb: If you play with fire,
sooner or later you’ll get burned.
3. Call the enemy by its name and ask God
for help
When we face or fall into temptation it is
helpful to admit it: “I am being tempted by the devil, the enemy of God.” Call
it by its name, and say short and fervent prayers to ask the Lord’s help.
Examples of these short prayers include: “Jesus, I trust in you.” “Lord save
me.” “Lord, come to my defense.” “Sweet Heart of Mary, protect me under your
mantle.” Invoke (say) with faith the names of Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph.
4. Combat desolation
Spiritual desolation is experienced as
darkness in the face of divine truth, insensitivity to the Word of God,
sluggishness in doing good, distance from God. This desolation can have
unexpected strength and sway the good resolutions you had just a day before.
St. Ignatius said that in a state of desolation, what’s important is: more
prayer and more meditation, the examination of conscience (seek out why you’re
having desolation) and finally, applying an adequate penance.
5. Combat laziness
You’ve surely heard the phrase “idle hands
are the devil’s workshop.” This means that if you’ve got nothing to do, the
devil will give you something to do. St. John Bosco didn’t like the season of
vacation for his boys of the Oratory because he knew that too much free time
came accompanied by temptations.
6. Use the weapons Jesus used in the
desert
Prolonged and fervent prayer, constant
mortification (fasting) and familiarity with the Word of God, both meditating
on it and putting it into practice — these are efficient weapons to combat and
defeat the devil.
7. Speak with a spiritual director
St. Ignatius warns us that the devil likes
secrets; if one is in a deep state of spiritual desolation, and opens up to a
spiritual director, the temptation can be overcome. Total silence is like a cut
or a wound that is hidden under clothing. Until the wound is exposed and
cleaned, not only will it not heal, but it will become more and more infected,
potentially leading even to amputation. In the same way, once a temptation is
revealed to a spiritual director, one achieves power over it.
8. Use sacramentals
Correct use of sacramentals can be very
effective in the fight against the devil, particularly, for example, the brown
scapular, St. Benedict’s medal, and holy water
9. Call on St. Michael the Archangel
In our battle against Satan, we should use
every weapon. God chose St. Michael the Archangel as a faithful angel, prince
of the heavenly army, to cast into hell Lucifer and the other rebellious
angels. St. Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?” is as powerful today
as he was then.
10. Call on the Virgin Mary
Mary is the human being Satan most fears,
according to what many exorcists have gathered from the utterances of the
demons. Mary has many titles; invoking any one of them is useful for banishing
the Evil One. The ancient serpent, the devil, can charge against us with his
hideous tongue, spewing venom, but if you ask help from Mary, she will crush
his head.
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