The evil one
both hates and loves ordained men. He hates the ones who truly serve God and
loves the ones he can corrupt. We were warned about this when we were in the
pre-aspirancy to the diaconate. The men in the formation classes ahead of mine
and ordained friends I have talked to all attest to this being true. The devil
and his minions love to attack these men because they either hope to discourage
them away from their vocations or they wish to corrupt them into being bad
servants. A bad shepherd corrupts the entire flock.
I knew that
this would be something I would have to contend with at some point. I did not
expect to have to wage this war so soon. Satan is a cunning, sneaky master of
deceit. He is the father of lies and extremely skillful at his craft. I came
very close to walking away from the diaconate over our holiday break before I
recognized his handiwork. Now that I am aware of what his manipulation feels
like I know that I have felt it for as long as I have also felt God’s call to
serve.
A good friend
could sense the struggle I was having and gave me a call. He reminded me that
the devil doesn’t attack those he already has. He also doesn’t attack those who
have no influence over others. Those who can do him the most damage get the
worst attacks. If I were being attacked it must mean I am doing something right
or stand to be an adversary in the future. He was an encouraging light for a
soul in the shadows.
Now that I
know what Satan’s hand in my life feels like I can look back and see the
effects he has over me. I can clearly see now that the moment he got what he
was trying to accomplish his presence would live me as quickly as it came to
me. It is eerie when you can feel the darkness suddenly leave you. Now that I
can recognize it I can try to do a better job at combating it. At least I hope
I can. May God be my shield and sword.
I cannot
imagine how badly some of our holy men and women get attacked. There is a
growing darkness in this world feeding hate. Satan is sowing the seeds of deceit,
hate, and chaos and his garden is growing rapidly.
Pray for your
bishops, priests, deacons, and those who have chosen religious life. Pray for
our Pope. Pray for them to be holy men and women for they do battle with evil
every day.
“Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be
scattered.” – Matthew 26: 31.
Father, send
down the Holy Spirit unto those you have called to inspire and guide them to
always be good and holy people who will lead your people closer to you.
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
And please pray for me and my
brothers in diaconate formation; that we may stay strong and not give into the
attacks that await us.
Be a blessing to everyone you meet
and allow them to be a blessing to you.