How much do we pay attention to the spiritual world around us? How often, when we find ourselves tormented by the same temptations over and over, think about the demonic realm that wants us dead? Many of us, I think, pay little attention to this, opting instead to focus only on the natural—the flesh.

Throughout Scripture we read that Christ came, not simply to overcome sin and death, but also to overcome the devil. What this seems to indicate is that the devil—in a real sense—had a grip on humanity that needed to be broken. Why else would Satan need to be bound from deceiving the nations?

As I think about this, it seems clear to me that we have done a rather poor job at equipping Christians to deal with the reality of the demonic. When we struggle with sin, we think of it as a purely internal struggle forgetting that the external forces of evil delight in causing Christians to give into sin. Anything to take our eyes off of our Lord Christ is a victory for them. It is one thing to feel temptation—that is a natural human experience. It is quite another to be tormented by this temptation and sin, living in an inescapable pattern of these evils. When that occurs, let us acknowledge the activity of the demonic in it.

Demons are real. Demons are all around us. Demons want to destroy your faith and leave you as broken as possible. This is real and it is about time we woke up, acknowledged it, and started taking action against it more consciously.

And for those who think of themselves as generally “good” people, not struggling with any particular vice—watch out. You are in more danger than you could possibly imagine.

Bearing all of this in mind, I’ve begun praying the Rosary with more intentionality—though oddly, with this new awareness of the demonic, I have been facing a great deal of laziness towards prayer. I wonder why…?

I have also recently purchased a book (pictured) which teaches concecration to St. Joseph the Terror of Demons.

One of my reasons for more consciously thinking about this stuff has to do with my journey into more formal ministry. Ever since I was commissioned to begin a Mission Parish here in Arizona, the temptation I have felt towards past vices that have been managed in the present has felt unbearable at times. I’ve found myself feeling much more oppressed; much more scrupulous; and much more unsettled by my own thoughts and actions.

In particular, since vulnerability is a NECESSITY among Christians, the two vices I have fought long and hard against have been both lust and sloth—I think both are nearly always connected to one another. And though I have made extreme and transformative improvements in my battle against these vices, I do believe that when I started this Mission, I failed to take more seriously the spiritual battle that would begin. My prayer now, is that an awareness of the demonic, and a reinforcement of prayer and devotion, will yield, in my life, an even deeper freedom from these particular sins into the fullness of what Christ has called me to that I might be blameless in his sight.

Demons want you dead. Make sure you’re aware of the war and wearing the proper armor.

If you have particular vices that you struggle with, please feel free to share below so that I can keep you in my daily prayers. One of the best ways to fight against the demonic is to turn your attention outward, towards others, rather than inward. So let me pray for you. Please pray for me!

St. Joseph, terror of demons, protector of the Church, pray for us!