Prayer is a weapon
There can be little doubt of snares of the devil running rapid through society. Every day we see the ever growing trend of relativism spreading its tentacles and engulfing more and more of our youth. No matter where one seems to turn there seems to be images that denigrate and desecrate the human being’s status of being sacred or maintaining its dignity. That being said it must be remembered that this battle which is before our eyes is not mere differences in rhetorical opinion, but it is essentially a battle against the forces of good against the forces of evil; it is a battle against principalities and powers.
The Church has always been aware of this battle, even since its creation. Our Lord made this battle even more visible by the casting out of demons and forgiveness of sin, and was even subject to its temptations, as was evident during his 40 days in the desert; however, never fell to the evil one. It should be noted that there is a special name for the Church on earth, which is appropriate considering our circumstance yet seems to have been relegated from common vernacular, but we are the Church Militant. The Church has 3 basic parts: The Church Militant, The Church Suffering and The Church Triumphant. The Church Triumphant is where we hope to arrive after our long and arduous battle here on earth. As the Church Militant, we are the visible body of the Church upon the earth and that which battles against the forces of evil with the help and graces of our Lord.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, left us a multitude of gifts to strengthen us against the wiles and snares of the enemy; for example, the Sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist and Confession. However, the Sacraments are not our only recourse, but we also have the gift of prayer. Many times, we are distracted by the enemy and try to fight the battle on his terms, forgetting about the supernatural aspect of the fight. It is on this occasion that I would like you think of St. Padre Pio.
St. Padre Pio is a Saint who was given many gifts while upon this earth, but was also given to great suffering, as he endured the stigmata. Yet, through all his trials he always turned to our Lord and especially our Lady. He called the Rosary his weapon and had constant recourse to it when fighting the forces of evil.
Many of here have encountered the forces of evil in its many faces. Some of us have to deal with abortion, contraception, relativism, atheism, indifference, in essence the relegation of God from people’s everyday lives or their deception by the forces of evil. In our battle, let us not forget that we must have constant recourse to God and especially seek the assistance of our Blessed Mother, from whom our Lord denies no request as long as it is in accord with His will.
There are many within our society who have opened themselves to the forces of darkness ignorantly and do not even know that have submitted to its control; therefore, it is necessary to pray for them. It is our Lady who stomps the head of the serpent and is the horrid foe of demons. Let her put them to flight and intercede before the thrown of her Son that graces be bestowed upon us and those for whom we pray, for if we do not pray, we will see that even though our argument be based in reason, our friend, colleague, client will not be open to the suggestion, as they may very well be oppressed by a force that they are not even aware of.
It is imperative that we always remember that we are part of the Church Militant and on the front line of battle that takes place against evil and that we ourselves are subject to the attacks of the evil one. We must take great pains to not only do the work of our Lord, especially through the assistance of Mary, and bring as many souls as we can to Him, but also to defend ourselves at all times, for what a great prize it is for them to capture one of us who serves beneath the Lord's banner. Therefore, always fortify yourself through prayer, the Sacraments and fasting. Daily put on the Armour of God and prepare to fight. You must also remember to service your armour regularly through the Church, for the enemy is always looking for a weak point by which to strike. Carry your Rosary readily and pray it. Do not let it collect dust nor stand as a decoration. It is a weapon by which we cry out to our Lord and our Lady and by it the forces of the evil one are sent to flight, so when we feel overwhelmed and the forces of the devil seem to surround us on all sides, let us pick up our Rosary and pray, and we will behold the light of Christ and Graces from our Lady’s intercession rescue us from the abyss and place us once more in his most sacred side where no evil may come to us.
Pax tecum.
The Church has always been aware of this battle, even since its creation. Our Lord made this battle even more visible by the casting out of demons and forgiveness of sin, and was even subject to its temptations, as was evident during his 40 days in the desert; however, never fell to the evil one. It should be noted that there is a special name for the Church on earth, which is appropriate considering our circumstance yet seems to have been relegated from common vernacular, but we are the Church Militant. The Church has 3 basic parts: The Church Militant, The Church Suffering and The Church Triumphant. The Church Triumphant is where we hope to arrive after our long and arduous battle here on earth. As the Church Militant, we are the visible body of the Church upon the earth and that which battles against the forces of evil with the help and graces of our Lord.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, left us a multitude of gifts to strengthen us against the wiles and snares of the enemy; for example, the Sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist and Confession. However, the Sacraments are not our only recourse, but we also have the gift of prayer. Many times, we are distracted by the enemy and try to fight the battle on his terms, forgetting about the supernatural aspect of the fight. It is on this occasion that I would like you think of St. Padre Pio.
St. Padre Pio is a Saint who was given many gifts while upon this earth, but was also given to great suffering, as he endured the stigmata. Yet, through all his trials he always turned to our Lord and especially our Lady. He called the Rosary his weapon and had constant recourse to it when fighting the forces of evil.
Many of here have encountered the forces of evil in its many faces. Some of us have to deal with abortion, contraception, relativism, atheism, indifference, in essence the relegation of God from people’s everyday lives or their deception by the forces of evil. In our battle, let us not forget that we must have constant recourse to God and especially seek the assistance of our Blessed Mother, from whom our Lord denies no request as long as it is in accord with His will.
There are many within our society who have opened themselves to the forces of darkness ignorantly and do not even know that have submitted to its control; therefore, it is necessary to pray for them. It is our Lady who stomps the head of the serpent and is the horrid foe of demons. Let her put them to flight and intercede before the thrown of her Son that graces be bestowed upon us and those for whom we pray, for if we do not pray, we will see that even though our argument be based in reason, our friend, colleague, client will not be open to the suggestion, as they may very well be oppressed by a force that they are not even aware of.
It is imperative that we always remember that we are part of the Church Militant and on the front line of battle that takes place against evil and that we ourselves are subject to the attacks of the evil one. We must take great pains to not only do the work of our Lord, especially through the assistance of Mary, and bring as many souls as we can to Him, but also to defend ourselves at all times, for what a great prize it is for them to capture one of us who serves beneath the Lord's banner. Therefore, always fortify yourself through prayer, the Sacraments and fasting. Daily put on the Armour of God and prepare to fight. You must also remember to service your armour regularly through the Church, for the enemy is always looking for a weak point by which to strike. Carry your Rosary readily and pray it. Do not let it collect dust nor stand as a decoration. It is a weapon by which we cry out to our Lord and our Lady and by it the forces of the evil one are sent to flight, so when we feel overwhelmed and the forces of the devil seem to surround us on all sides, let us pick up our Rosary and pray, and we will behold the light of Christ and Graces from our Lady’s intercession rescue us from the abyss and place us once more in his most sacred side where no evil may come to us.
Pax tecum.
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