Fighting the Devil

by Father Sullivan

      "For as it is in the nature of a woman in aquarrel with a man to lose courage and take flight when the man makes a show ofstrength and determination, in the like manner, if the man loses courage andbegins to flee, the anger, vindictiveness, and rage of the woman becomes greatbeyond all bounds. In the same manner it is the nature of our enemy to becomepowerless and lose courage as soon as a person who is following the spirituallife stands courageously against his temptations and does exactly the oppositeto which the enemy suggests. On the contrary, if a person begins to losecourage and take flight while fighting temptation, no wild beast on earth ismore fierce than the devil as he pursues his intention with increasing malice."

      "The enemy also behaves like a false lover whowishes to remain hidden and does not want to be revealed. For when thisdeceitful man pays court, with evil intent, to the daughter of some good fatheror to the wife of a good husband, he wants his words and suggestions to be kepta secret. He is greatly displeased if the girl reveals to her father, or thewife to the husband, his deceitful words and depraved intentions, for then hesees clearly that his plan cannot succeed. In like manner, when the enemy ofour human nature tempts a just soul with his wiles and deceits, he wishes anddesires that they be kept in secret. When they are revealed to a confessor orsome other spiritual person who understands, the enemy is greatly displeasedbecause he knows he cannot succeed in his evil design once his obvious deceitshave been discovered."

      The enemy's behavior is also like that of amilitary leader who wishes to conquer and plunder the objects of his desires.Just as the commander of an army pitches his camp, studies the strength anddefense of a fortress, and then attacks it on its weakest side, in the likemanner, the enemy of our human nature studies from all sides our theological,moral, and cardinal virtues. Wherever he finds its weakest point and mostserious need regarding our eternal salvation, he attacks and tries to take usby storm".

      With full knowledge of his plan, we must thenapply these points to our own temptations. Three things are necessary to beatthe devil. The first is a show of strength and determination against thedevil's suggestions. When we immediately turn to God and become strong thedevil flees. The second is openness about our temptations with a spiritualfriend. Once we expose the devil's temptations, he withdraws. The third isself-knowledge. If we know ourselves well - especially our weak areas - we willbe more on guard against the temptations which attack us at our weak points.

       Fr. Sullivan,M.J., is a priest with the Miles Jesu order. Miles Jesu is an Institute ofConsecrated Life dedicated to promoting reverence to the Blessed Sacrament,devotion to Our Lady and faithfulness to the official teachings of the Church.For information on Miles Jesu and its Seminary Program, please call1-800-654-7945 or visit their website at http://www.milesjesu.com/index.html