+
JMJ
"Our world is dominated by fear. It is paralyzed by this feeling exuded by the devil that isolates persons. Each one prefers to live in sadness and solitude rather than to agree to depend on someone else's love." (Robert Cardinal Sarah)
The devil thrives on fear and so constantly sows the seeds of discord: in marriages, families, society, and the Church. Division among the faithful is his greatest ally as he assiduously schemes to snatch souls from Christ. A clever tactician, the Evil One amplifies fears, encourages anxiety and paralyzes one into a panic which is far from a trustful surrender to Divine Providence. Yet, it is not enough for him to simply prey on the weak and worry-prone, for to disperse the disciples he must use his subtle attacks on the proud as well. Knowing fear will not deter their confidence, Satan instead ensnares his catch by planting the strangling weeds of anger and bitterness, choking the charity that once blossomed in one's heart. Convincing himself that his anger is righteous and his bitterness justified, these souls contribute to the communal dissonance by their resentment towards their fearful fellows. Anxiety eats away at the former, and anger destroys the latter.
In order to combat this discord, one may turn to the words of St. Paul from Ephesians:
"Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones."(Ep. 11-18)
The devil seeks to divide and conquer but Christ will unite and save. It is imperative to cloak ourselves with the mantle of mercy, choosing to exhibit a joyful witness of hope, untainted by the cynicism and bitterness of complaint.
"True charity consists in putting up with all one's neighbor's faults, never being surprised by his weakness, and being inspired by the least of his virtues." (St. Therese of Lisieux)
