Here I go again, suggesting how beneficial a video clip can be. There is a ton of info not simply on demonic activity, but also the daily weapons we possess to curtail their impact on our lives. He does recommend the daily prayers of Auxilium Christianorum. It takes about 10-13 minutes to pray them. To do so helps exorcists in their spiritual confrontations, but also protects our homes from most diabolical influence. He estimates that 400,000 laity are praying them now!
I am currently reading Julian of Norwich. The Showings. It's one of the best spiritual books I have ever read. One of the chapters on the Sins of others has this advice 'when the sins of others come to mind, the soul that wants peace should flee from such thoughts as she would run from the pains of hell. She should seek within God for the remedy to help her resist this impulse to judge, for when we pay attention to the faults of others, a thick mist descends over the eyes of the soul and for a time we cannot see the beauty of the Divine. The only exception to this is when we view other peoples imperfections with sorrow on their behalf, with sincere compassion for them, and with the holy desire for God to be with them. Otherwise the soul will be troubled and tempted and hindered. ' We really need to protect our peace of mind. Focus on Jesus on the cross. God is in charge. We are all suffering. It's our opportunity to do penance and make reperation and pray for sinners.
Yes, we should grieve and not hate, and pray for those who force crosses upon us. They may otherwise never be prayed for!
I am making no judgements on Steve but I have to ask what kind of faith did he have that enabled him to just walk away and become agnostic? That's a rhetorical question by the way . For me the love of God is so embedded in my soul, one cannot escape this love although often God withdraws a little in order that we might pursue Him in love. The kingdom of God is indeed within, deep within the soul where the trinity can dwell. Such a gift I could never reject because it is the pearl of great price. Living in union with the Trinitarian God brings a peace to the soul that the world can never give. I am going to pray for Steve that the grace of God will ignite a fire in his soul so that once again he can use his excellent communication skills in the service of the kingdom.
A thought, not an accusation. You mentioned Steve's sharp, analytical mind, with which God blessed him. He was very, very busy, involved in a ministry that focused on a constant menu of critique. I would think two prominent dangers would be pride and a busyness that would supplant time for prayer: a little voice that would urge him to quickly address the next crucial issue because he had a gift of unraveling the knots and provide clarity to others. And we know a Church in disarray has provided much fodder. Such weariness and discouragement could lead to the question, "Why isn't God taking the reins to bring things under control? Where is He? Is He?" Habakkuk 1:2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you,“Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Lord, bestow your Mercy on Steve; speak gently to his heart! O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who has recourse to you!
