Angels and demons

WE have to be aware of their presence, purpose, function

and activities in our life. They, for sure, are real beings, as real

as you and me. They are not fictional characters, or some merely

literary devices meant to make a point or teach us a lesson.

              They are always around. Their interventions and

interferences in our life are not restricted to some extraordinary

occasions. They actually get involved in our daily affairs. And we

just have to be more perceptive of them so we would know to whom to

run to and from whom to run away.

  

            Let us remember that we are not purely material beings. We

also are spiritual, with a spiritual soul, and not just a plant or

animal soul. As such, our life cannot help but be in the loop of the

spiritual beings also, like the angels and the demons. We need to be

more aware of this reality and learn how to live with it properly.

  

            We have to remember that in the gospel, there are many

references to angels and demons. We have no basis to think that in

today’s world, their presence has diminished if not eliminated. They

are very much with us!

   

            Strangely enough, some people think that way, with the

reason that since Christ has already assured us of our redemption

because of his passion, death and resurrection, the role of angels and

the danger of demons are practically made obsolete.

  

            That is not quite so. It can also be argued that precisely

because Christ has completed his work of our redemption and just waits

for us to do our part, the workings of the angels and the demons have

also become more relevant. The demons’ evil interest in us has spiked,

and our need for angelic help has increased.

  

            That’s why, when we get closer to God, making an effort to

sanctify ourselves seriously, we can also experience a more vicious

and subtle attack of the demons. We should not be surprised by this

phenomenon, but rather feel confident that what we are doing must be

good.

   

            Angels are our tremendous friends who would help us in all

our needs. Demons are our worst traitors. They indeed can appear to be

very friendly too, but only to turn us in, so to speak.

            Angels can be our security guard, our defender and

protector, our errand boy, or simply our good companion in our daily

activities. They are good in reminding us of things important to us

and of warning us of potential dangers. We should take advantage of

the many things they can do for us.

  

            The demons, on the other hand, are more tricky in their

ways. In fact, they can appear like our allies, and even as an “angel

of light.” (cfr 2 Cor 11,14) But the fruits of their actions will

always be bad. For us to be keenly discerning of their wiles, we need

to be truly identified with Christ with the help of the angels and

saints.

  

            We should never forget that our life will always involve a

continuing struggle. In our mind and heart will take place the

constant battle between the forces of good and evil. We should be

prepared for this lifelong condition of ours.

   

            In all this, it would be good that rely on God’s grace and

the most effective support of the angels. We have to develop the

proper devotion to the angels. It might be good to use this prayer:

  

            “Angel of God from heaven / I ask that you shelter me

under your wings. / Lighten my path, direct my steps. / Do not leave

me, stay near me and defend me against the evil spirit. / But above

all come to my help in the last struggle of my life. / Deliver my soul

so that I can praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God forever

and ever. / Amen.