Meditation today: the attacks of the evil one
The attacks of the malignant: It is hoped that the Pharisees mentioned below went through a profound inner conversion before they died. If they didn't, their particular doomsday would have been shocking and scary for them. The greatest act of love ever known was God who becomes one of us, being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, growing up in the family of Saint Joseph, and ultimately beginning His public ministry by which the saving truth of the Gospel it was proclaimed that all may know God and be saved. And it was of this act of perfect love given to us by God that the Pharisees attacked and called those who believed in it "deceived" and "cursed".
The attacks of the evil one: from the Gospel of John
the guards replied, "Never before has anyone talked like this man." Then the Pharisees answered them: “Have you also been deceived? Did any of the authorities or the Pharisees believe in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is cursed “. John 7: 46–49
Although i Pharisees they don't offer us much inspiration, they give us many lessons. In the above passage, the Pharisees model for us one of the most common tactics of the evil one. In his spiritual classic, The Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola explains that when a person is passing from a life of sin to a life of holiness, the evil one will attack in various ways. It will try to upset you and cause you undue anxiety to serve God, it will try to sadden you with inexplicable pain, it will put obstacles to your virtue by making you feel overwhelmed and thinking that you are too weak to live a good Christian life of virtue, and it will tempt you to lose your virtue. peace of heart by doubting God's love or His action in your life. It is clear that this attack by the Pharisees also has these objectives.
The attacks of the evil one: reflect on the way the Pharisees do
Again, although this may not seem like "stimulating ", it is very useful to understand. The Pharisees were ferocious in their attacks, not only on Jesus but also on anyone who began to believe in Jesus. They said to the guards who were struck by Jesus: "Have you also been deceived?" This was clearly the evil one working through them trying to intimidate the guards and anyone who dared to believe in Jesus.
But understand the tactics of the malignant and his messengers is of great value, because it helps us to reject the lies and deceptions that are thrown at us. Sometimes these lies come from individuals and are directed directly at us, and sometimes the lies are more universal, sometimes they come through the media, culture and even the government.
Reflect today on the bad taste and bitter words of these Pharisees. But do this to help you understand the tactics the evil one often takes when seeking greater holiness in life. Rest assured that the closer you get to God, the more you will be attacked. But don't be afraid. Identify any personal, social, cultural, or even governmental attack for what it is. Trust and don't be discouraged as you try to follow Christ more completely each day.
Meditation prayer of the day
My divine Judge of all, at the end of time you will establish your permanent kingdom of truth and justice. You will reign over everything and grant everyone your mercy and justice. May I live fully in Your truth and never be discouraged by the attacks and lies of the evil one. Give me courage and strength, dear Lord, because I always trust in You. Jesus, I trust You.