Let’s remember that Satan is the ultimate liar, deceiver, discourager, tempter, inflictor of self-doubt. He uses many tactics in carrying out his mission to divide us and separate us from God. The tools he uses continue to grow in number and in their seductiveness. On the surface we are more connected than ever before. Voice mail, cell phones, texting, Instagram, Facebook, podcasts, multiple video channels that never before existed are not necessarily connectors, but tools that the devil can use to carry out his mission. Depression, anxiety, loneliness, and fragmentation seem to be at epidemic levels. The Catholic tradition teaches us that this fragmentation is not accidental. The very word “devil” comes from the Greek word diabolos, meaning “to divide,” “to separate,” or “to throw against”. Satan’s primary tactic is to create chaos by tearing apart what God designed to be united.
From the time of Adam and Eve when the enemy separated humanity from God to our present-day culture of division, the enemy is busy. Division in our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, parishes, and in our church can distract us from our relationship with God and with others. When we gossip, harbor feelings of resentment, forget that there are perspectives other than our own, fail to pray, or move our focus away from the Eucharist, we are allowing the enemy to work within us. There is a 24×7 battle for our souls, and its up to us to cooperate with the salvation that God has given us.
This can be difficult. For me personally, I find it difficult to love the people that I don’t like. At times, I find it difficult to forgive, yet the Lord commands us, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
To help overcome such difficulties, let’s recall what Jesus prayed at the Last Supper: “And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17:22). Christ unites us at the altar, regardless of our diverse social, political, or cultural backgrounds. Where the enemy sows suspicion, the Holy Spirit sows communion. Where Satan seeks to scatter, God gathers. Help us be one in You, Lord.
Prayerfully,
Deacon Chris