Saint Catherine of Siena writes, “…what the devil can’t do by himself, he does by using other people…” At times, we humans are attempting to navigate the world in all its storms and confusion on our own. While we are surrounded by the complexity and exquisite beauty created by God, it is important to be aware of a dangerous, lurking menace that lies in wait.

The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel reminds us that the “devil prowls about the earth seeking the ruin of souls.” That is predator language, and yes, it should give us the creeps.  The verbiage reminds us that he actively searches for ways to pull us into his lies, twist our thinking about God and one another, and seeks with deadly precision ways to destroy our souls. The devil has much at his disposal and as St. Catherine reminds us, will even use others if it suits his purposes. If he can get us to “see what doesn’t really exist,” then it is easy for us to misunderstand, limiting our trust in others and in their goodness. “Words lead to actions, and this is how he divides those who love each other.”

Is it just me or is there much more division in the world these days?

What can we do to be a unifying power in our families and in our areas of influence? St. Catherine tells us to have “hatred and contempt for ourselves, opening our mind’s eye to know God and His Goodness…He neither wants nor seeks anything but that we be made holy.” If we place our littleness at the forefront of our mind, and seek to place others before ourselves, we grow in humility and love. Pride puffs us up, which can lead to thinking less of others, becoming paranoid, defensive, and distrustful.

Love unites!

I am  attempting to practice, ‘thinking the best about others’ this new year. This is a difficult task at times. I can quickly remember past experiences, hurts, and betrayals when I hear gossip, and immediately think the worst. It takes heroic strength and Divine assistance for me to have any chance for success in this endeavor.

How have I been doing so far? Not so good.

However, every new breath is a new opportunity to beg for help, and start again. Realize this, God, “allows the devil to cause others to torment and harass us, only to prove the virtues of love and true patience” in us. Why you might ask, would God allow this? So that our “imperfect love may become perfect.”

God loves us too much to leave us wallowing in the muck of our habitual sinfulness. So He let’s the devil do what he does best, by giving us lots of practice in seeking what is good and right and holy. People don’t get good at something unless they have lots of opportunities to practice. How merciful that our Heavenly Father loves us that much.

So while we might get discouraged when we keep messing up, we must remember that our love is proved when it is tested. We are not alone, and never have to go it on our own either.  We have an advocate in Christ, His angels and saints. And not to be outdone, Jesus left us a mother too and not just any Mother, His Mother. Mary is here to help us, desires to grow us closer to her Son, and lead us to heaven. She has loads of grace, all for the asking.

The devil may want us to think we are without any support, especially when we have really messed up and feel that there is no way back to God’s love. Make no mistake, there is an army of warriors in heaven, ready at a moment’s call to battle with us, and fight the good fight.

Never Give Up.

Never Give In.

Never Lose Hope.

You are loved beyond compare!

Just in case you need a little reminder, here is Whom Shall I Fear– by Chris Tomlin,  🙂