Killing Us Softly: Seduced by the Occult

2118 "Superstition is a departure from the worship that we give to the true God. It is manifested in idolatry, as well as in various forms of divination and magic."

One of my favorite saints, Saint Pio of Pietrelcino, was attacked night after night by demons who hated him for his devotion to God and to Our Lady. Read here about his battles, and the way he sought help from fellow priests and the saints in heaven. His perseverance drew many souls to Christ.

Saint John Vianney, the holy Cure of Ars, was also attacked on a regular basis, but his holiness just increased. In spite of his fears, he drew closer to God in his suffering and drew many souls to repentance through his love of God and his obedience to the Church.

If you are concerned about someone you love, a faithful priest can be of great comfort and good counsel, and should be sought in these cases. Gird yourself. Get to confession regularly, to Mass as much as possible, pray the Rosary, make small sacrifices, and in the darkest times of grave doubt, confusion, or even anger at what is transpiring, remember to pray, "Jesus, I trust in You!"

If you are devout, you can be sure you will suffer, but you will be a beacon of light to them in the darkness, and by God's grace, their souls may be saved by your loving example and persevering gentleness and forgiveness.

And just so you know that this problem has been going on a very long time, here's part of the Old Testament reading from the liturgy of Friday, March 23:

The wicked said among themselves, thinking not aright: "Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. He professes to have knowledge of God and styles himself a child of the LORD. To us he is the censure of our thoughts; merely to see him is a hardship for us, because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways. (Wis 2:1a, 12-22)

Remember, this battle is the Lord's (2 Sam 17). We are like Davids facing an onslaught of Goliaths.

And finally:

But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matt 17:27)

God bless you!

3/27/2012 4:00:00 AM
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  • Lisa Mladinich
    About Lisa Mladinich
    Lisa Mladinich is a Catholic wife and mother, catechist and workshop leader, and the author of the popular booklets, "Be An Amazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children," and "Be an Amazing Catechist: Sacramental Preparation" available from Our Sunday Visitor. She is the founder of www.AmazingCatechists.com.