| DELIVER US! |
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DELIVER US FROM EVERY EVIL
As Christians we need to be vigilant because the devil is prowling like a lion looking for someone to eat. There are many stories in the Gospels of Jesus exorcising demons and allowing people to experience true liberation from the forces of evil. On discussing the different guises of the evil one, Ignatius of Loyola illustrates to us a battle. The enemy has come into the area of his battle and seeks to find a weak spot in the fortress or city wall. Once found the enemy moves into the city to spoil the plunder. The city is conquered and the enemy has won his prize. All he needs do is to find the ‘weak link in the chain’ and he is proven victorious. Ignatius suggests that this is similar to the work of the enemy. The devil prowls around our life looking for our weakness. Once found, the enemy is ruthless in causing one to fall. The enemy will allow other forces to come in and conquer unguarded territory. We are aware of those weaknesses in our lives. Perhaps it is that habitual sin that seems persistent and we find our selves so attached to. Perhaps it is a fear of some kind. Perhaps it is an inadequacy that gives way to lack of self esteem, despondency. The Lord desires to build us and encourage us in our walk of faith. We need only find our shelter in Him. In today’s Gospel Jesus drives out a demon and the people complain that it is through the prince of demons that the devil is exorcised. Now this is nonsense as Jesus says, “How can Satan be divided against himself.” Jesus, the Anointed one sent by the Father liberates His people from sin and delivers them from evil.
In the Lord’s Prayer we pray, do not bring us to the test but deliver us from evil. We must learn to pray these words from the heart. The devil is active and he despises those who name themselves Christians. He will do anything in his power to discourage us and stop us from entering into relationship with the Father. That is why the Christian must be vigilant, calling on the power of the Lord for deliverance from the forces of evil. The enemy comes in many disguises. He comes as the angel of light; he is the Tempter and he comes to torment those who belong to Christ. As James says, “Resist the devil and he will flee. Do not give in to his tactics, for he is the defeated one.” God has won the victory through Christ, who, dying on the Cross in his last breath said, “It is accomplished.” Fr. Brian Steele
REFLECTION QUESTION: What are the weaknesses within you that need to be addressed. Surrender them to the Lord and seek his mercy and protection.
Lord I come to You and I seek to place my life under Your lordship. I ask You to forgive me for the times I have given into the reign of the enemy. Forgive me for the times I have fallen into complacency or despondency. I am Yours and I all that I have belongs to You. Amen. |
| Posted: 3/24/2008 at 23:30 | Read 26 times | 0 comments | Leave Comment |
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