Worshiping idols is worshiping demons; Angels: Day 148

St. Augustine says that the only reason demons seduced us into worshiping them was because they knew that worship belongs to God alone.

The false gods, that is to say, the demons, which are lying angels, would never have required a temple, priesthood, sacrifice, and the other things connect- ed with these from their worshipers, whom they deceive, had they not known that these things were due to the one true God.

When, therefore, these things are presented to God according to his inspira- tion and teaching, it is true religion; but when they are given to demons in compli- ance with their impious pride, it is baneful superstition. Accordingly, those who know the Christian Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testaments do not blame the profane rites of pagans on the mere ground of their building temples, appointing priests, and offering sacrifices, but on the ground of their doing all this for idols and demons.

As to idols, indeed, who doubts that they are completely devoid of percep- tion? And yet, when they are placed in these temples and set on high on thrones of honor, so that they may be waited upon by suppliants and worshipers praying and offering sacrifices, then even these idols, though devoid both of feeling and of life, so affect weak minds, just because they appear to have the members and senses of a living being, that they appear to live and breathe, especially under the added influence of the profound veneration with which the multitude freely renders such costly service. –St. Augustine, Letter 102

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What are the demons I worship—the things that take me away from the worship of the one true God?

CLOSING PRAYER

Holy Guardian Angel, keep me from the worship of demons, and lead me to desire, as you do, only the true bliss of the divine vision.

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