The Sunday Sermon Archive

Dear Friend,

Devils are all around us. No one is free from their attacks. Even Our Lord was made to suffer the attacks of the devil as we see in today's gospel.

Not all of our temptations are from devils, we are also subject to concupiscence from our fallen nature, and temptations from the world around us. But, the works of devils are far more than we generally tend to think.

It is beneficial for us all to be reminded at the beginning of Lent of the tools and weapons at our disposal for resisting and warding off the temptations of devils.

First we must pray. All prayer is good and effectual in repulsing the devils, but at the top of our list should be the sign of the cross. St. Chrysostom says: "We vehemently tremble when we behold places where malefactors were executed; how terrified must the devil be when he beholds the cross, that weapon which mortally wounded him. The evil spirits scarcely get the first glimpse of this sign, when, full of fear, and trembling, they take to flight."

Next, we should make frequent use of the invocation of the most sacred name of Jesus. "In My name they shall cast out devils" (Mark 16:17) St. Athanasius said: "The power of Christ is so great that the evil spirits sink back into nothingness before it, and can not even stand before the invocation of the name of Jesus."

Thirdly, let us make frequent use of holy water. St. Teresa says: "To banish evil spirits so that they will not return, there is nothing more effectual than holy water. It is no vain imagination: I have often experienced it."

But, above all we must earnestly resist. In human affairs we cannot help but be overcome by superior forces, but this is not the case in the supernatural realm. If the devil assault us, notwithstanding his power and subtlety, we can resist because it is not we alone who fight, but Almighty God who fights in us and with us, and helps us on to victory. "I can do all things in Him who strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13)

St. Justina, having become a Christian, vowed her virginity to God, Aglaides, a Pagan youth, wished to espouse her, but all in vain. He went to a sorcerer in order to conquer Justina with the help of the evil one. The sorcerer conjured the powers of darkness, and Justina was obliged to endure the most violent temptations day and night; but she earnestly resisted, prayed, fasted, and invoked Jesus and Mary for protection and help, signed herself with the sign of the cross, and, behold, the temptation ceased. The devil told the sorcerer that Justina was a Christian, and that he had no power over Christians who courageously fight and confide in the Lord. The sorcerer (Cyprian) became a Christian, and obtained with Justina the crown of martyrdom.

Let us also consider the devil that killed the seven husbands of Sara, because of their incontinence. Sara and Tobias conquered this devil by persevering in prayer the first three nights of their wedding, and only after this did they engage in the privileges of marriage for the love of God and the desire for children.

It is therefore groundless for some to lay their sins exclusively to the charge of the devil, and say: "It was the devil made me do this or that." If they had not listened to the devil, he could not have allured them to sin. St. Augustine says: "The devil is like a chained dog, he can bite no one unless he imprudently goes near him. Yes, he may growl, show his teeth, and snarl, but he can not bite us, for he can not go beyond the length of his chain. Show him the cross, and he will fly back into his fiery kennel in hell." St. Augustine continues: "As the old enemy is strong when dealing with those who assent to him, so he is weak against those who resist him. If you consent to his suggestions, you can no more tame him than a lion, but if you resist him, you can trample upon him as upon an ant."

Pray as soon as you perceive a temptation within you; act like little children, who when afraid, run to their father and mother, or at least cry for help. Go to God in your temptations, and ask His help, grace, and mercy. Make the sign of the cross frequently, invoke the Holy Name of Jesus, sprinkle yourselves with holy water, and recommend yourselves to the protection of the Blessed Virgin, the angels and saints.

Avoid every kind of sin, but especially impurity, cursing and blaspheming; and live piously. The devil has no power over pious Christians. Repeat often that you would rather die than sin.

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