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Revelation says that Satan will be let loose for a little while—but even then, says St. Gregory the Great, it is only under the power of the good angels, who serve God’s will by unchaining him.
“Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, holding in his hand the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit” (Rev. 20:1-3).
But still, at the end of the world, they call him back to more open conflicts, and let him loose against us in all his power. Thus, in the same place, it says, “till the thousand years were ended. After that he must be loosed for a little while.”
That apostate angel was created to shine preeminent among all the other legions of angels. But he fell so low by trying to elevate himself that he is now prostrated under the rule of the angels who stand upright. At first they have put him in chains, and keep him buried away from our sight, because they serve our welfare; then they will let him loose to use all his power against us, setting him free for our trial. –St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job, 4.16
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
The good angels have power over the devil. Do I often ask for the angels’ aid in facing Satan?
CLOSING PRAYER
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
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