Reflect today on the reality of evil and the reality of temptations

“What are you doing with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God! ”Jesus rebuked him and said,“ Shut up! Get out of him! ”Then the demon threw the man before them and went out of him without hurting him. They were all amazed and said to each other, “What's in his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out “. Luke 4: 34-36

Yes, that's a scary thought. Demons are real. Or is it scary? If we look at the whole scene here we find that Jesus is clearly victorious over the demon and casts him out without allowing him to harm man. So to be honest, this step is much scarier for demons than it should be for us!

But what it tells us is that demons are real, they hate us and deeply desire to destroy us. So if that's not scary, it should at least make us sit and pay attention.

Demons are fallen angels who retain their natural powers. Although they have turned away from God and have acted in complete selfishness, God does not take away their natural powers unless they abuse them and turn to Him for help. So what are demons capable of? As with holy angels, demons have natural powers of communication and influence over us and our world. Angels are entrusted with the care of the world and our lives. Those angels who have fallen from grace now seek to use their power over the world and their power to influence and communicate with us for evil. They have turned away from God and now they want to transform us.

One thing this tells us is that we must constantly act in a discerning way. It is easy to be tempted and misled by a lying demon. In the case above, this poor man had cooperated so much with this demon that he took full possession of his life. While that level of influence and control over us is quite rare, it can happen. Most important, however, is that we simply understand and believe that demons are real and are constantly trying to lead us astray.

But the good news is that Jesus has all the power over them and he easily faces them and overwhelms them if we just seek His grace to do so.

Reflect today on the reality of evil and the reality of demonic temptations in our world. We have lived them all. There is nothing to be overly afraid of. And they shouldn't be seen in an overly dramatic light. Demons are powerful, but God's power easily triumphs if we let Him take control. So, as you reflect on the reality of evil and demonic temptations, you also reflect on God's desire to enter and render them powerless. Allow God to take the lead and trust that God will win.

Lord, when I am tempted and confused, please come to me. Help me to discern the evil one and his lies. May I turn to You the Almighty in all things, and may I rely on the powerful intercession of the holy angels you have entrusted to me. Jesus I believe in you.