The Devil is Real and How Do We Beat Them

The devil is real. He is not a myth nor something abstract. This is what Fr. Ronald “Bong” Lunas emphasized by way of telling stories during his talk entitled “Combat and Vigilance, Constant Struggle for Holiness” given last Sunday at the Gallery of Saints exhibit in Abreeza mall, Davao city. Father Bong who is presently the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur quoted Pope Francis’ words in his Apostolic Exhortation given last March 19, 2018 Gaudete et Exultate, “The devil is more than a myth. He is present in the very first pages of the Scriptures, which end with God’s victory over the devil. Indeed, in leaving us the Our Father, Jesus wanted us to conclude by asking the Father to ‘deliver us from evil’. That final word does not refer to evil in the abstract; a more exact translation would be ‘the evil one’. It indicates a personal being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ask daily for deliverance from him, lest his power prevail over us.”

As Christians it is important that we realize that Christian life is a constant battle. This battle cannot be reduced to the struggle against our human weaknesses and proclivities, be they laziness, lust, envy, jealousy or any others. It is also a constant struggle against the devil, the prince of evil. Jesus himself celebrates our victories over Satan. “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk 10:18).

Father Bong also warned us against spiritual corruption. What is spiritual corruption? It is a form of spiritual blindness, being blind to sin and also blind to the goodness of God. According to Pope Francis, “spiritual corruption is when we become so complacent and not acknowledging any sin on our behalf that our conscience is frayed and distorted. Everything then appears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self-centredness, for “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14).

We need strength and courage to withstand the temptations of the devil and to proclaim the Gospel. The path of holiness demands that we keep “our lamps lit, abstain from every form of evil, keep awake, not fall asleep” and be attentive.

We have the following weapons to remain vigilant against the snares of the enemy, the devil:

1) faith-filled prayer, 2) meditation on the word of God, 3) Holy Eucharist, 4) Sacramental Reconciliation, 5) doing works of charity, 6) Community life, 7) Missionary Outreach and 8) devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Manilee R. Araune | Digos SoCCom)