Today at Holy Mass Jesus in the Gospel of St John tells his disciples that evil does exist and the devil is real…Do you believe in the existence of the devil?…..You should…..Because he is very real….”I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me”…Throughout the pages of Scripture there are numerous references to the devil…Jesus in this exchange with his disciples tells them bluntly…”the ruler of this world is coming”…..What does that tell you?….The biggest mistake people can make is to dismiss the impact the devil has and can have on the world - This is why we must stay close to Christ and his Church…If we live in the state of grace - We will be given “eyes to see”….Grace also strengthens our will to make the right choices…..Far too many people in this world “assume” they are “too smart” to fall….The devil plays the long game…He knows all our weakness and slowly he draws us away from God if we do not prioritize our Catholic faith….Our world today is “under the spell” of the lies of the devil….We have been fooled into thinking “we make the rules” - That God is “whoever we make him out to be”…….Nothing could be further from the Truth…….Jesus today acknowledges that life is hard but if we trust in God, we will be given what we need…….”Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I”…..Living your life outside of Sacramental grace is a huge mistake - No matter who you are or how gifted you may think you are - At the “end of the day” - Our lives run out - We all die! - And we can not save ourself…..The tangible peace that God gives is better than anything the world can give to us…Even the best material things of this world “get old” in time…But God’s peace endures….However, we must make a choice, we can not have it “both ways”……“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon”……The devil has laid the world to waste - And only those who live in the state of grace will endure his wrath….So stay close to God and be not afraid.
“Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations”
Have you ever come across in your life an effective liar? - Someone who is so good at lying that most people don’t even realize that person is lying…If you have encountered such a person, imagine just how effect the devil is….The devil does not walk the earth with a “red tail and red horns” - The devil is deceptive - His lies are subtle and “go under the radar” of most people, even the smartest of people - And here is the worse part about it - The devil is effective!!!….This is why St Paul tells us…..”Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one”………Sacramental grace keep us out of harms way!!!…….If we live in the state of grace we have nothing to fear but without that grace, we will be devoured - The minute you think otherwise is the minute the devil has you right where he wants you!…..Some may read this reflection and laugh - They will “think” they are too smart to be “fooled” - That the devil is not real - That they are too strong… - That they will never fall for the lies of some “red-tailed myth” - If you are “that person” - I am here to tell you - Think twice!……Human beings are no match for the devil without the aide of Jesus Christ!….We are told today at Mass in St John’s Gospel….”Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” - “For the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me”……We are being warned - Heed the warning - Stay close to Christ - Stay in the State of Grace!
“May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever”
Many people today who enjoy music know who the Rolling Stones are - For those who do not, they are a musical group who have been very successful for many years……One of their most popular songs is entitled “Sympathy for the Devil”….This is one of the lyrics from that song….”Please allow me to introduce myself - I’m a man of wealth and taste - I’ve been around for a long, long year - Stole many a man's soul and faith”….Interesting? - Maybe the Rolling Stones read the Gospel of St John too?……..As far as Catholics should be concerned - Have no “Sympathy for the Devil” - Because the devil has no “sympathy” for you!….Stay vigilant and Stay in the state of grace…..”I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world”……JMJ
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