July 2, 2008: Wednesday, 13th Week Ordinary (A)
Sometimes when we do something completely out of the ordinary, our friends say, “What possessed you to do that?” It’s not that we’ve been taken over by the demons like the two men in our gospels today. What our friends are really trying to say is that we are not acting like ourselves. Although our modern world has relegated Satan and demons to the realm of fantasy fiction, our Church has continuously affirmed their existence and their influence on our world and us. The Catechism of Catholic Church states that,
“(#394) …"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." … (#395) The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God's reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries - of a spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature- to each man and to society, the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."
Even St. Ignatius of Loyola had to deal with the real demons and Satan on his journey to form the Society of Jesus. He learned from his experience in dealing with Satan and his demons that the enemy was much more cunning and sly. That’s why he came up with the rules for discernment of spirits. Discernment of spirits is a term given to the judgment whereby to determine whether our impulse of the moment is driven by the Holy Spirit, our own affections and emotions, or by the evil spirits.
First Rule. In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason.
Second Rule. In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well doing.
I encourage you to study more about St. Ignatius of Loyola.
“(#394) …"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." … (#395) The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God's reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries - of a spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature- to each man and to society, the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."
Even St. Ignatius of Loyola had to deal with the real demons and Satan on his journey to form the Society of Jesus. He learned from his experience in dealing with Satan and his demons that the enemy was much more cunning and sly. That’s why he came up with the rules for discernment of spirits. Discernment of spirits is a term given to the judgment whereby to determine whether our impulse of the moment is driven by the Holy Spirit, our own affections and emotions, or by the evil spirits.
First Rule. In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason.
Second Rule. In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well doing.
I encourage you to study more about St. Ignatius of Loyola.
