“For as it is in the nature of a woman in a quarrel with a man to lose courage and take flight when the man makes a show of strength and determination, in the like manner, if the man loses courage and begins to flee, the anger, vindictiveness, and rage of the woman becomes great beyond all bounds. In the same manner it is the nature of our enemy to become powerless and lose courage as soon as a person who is following the spiritual life stands courageously against his temptations and does exactly the opposite to which the enemy suggests. On the contrary, if a person begins to lose courage and take flight while fighting temptation, no wild beast on earth is more fierce than the devil as he pursues his intention with increasing malice.”
“The enemy also behaves like a false lover who wishes to remain hidden and does not want to be revealed. For when this deceitful man pays court, with evil intent, to the daughter of some good father or to the wife of a good husband, he wants his words and suggestions to be kept a secret. He is greatly displeased if the girl reveals to her father, or the wife to the husband, his deceitful words and depraved intentions, for then he sees clearly that his plan cannot succeed. In like manner, when the enemy of our human nature tempts a just soul with his wiles and deceits, he wishes and desires that they be kept in secret. When they are revealed to a confessor or some other spiritual person who understands, the enemy is greatly displeased because he knows he cannot succeed in his evil design once his obvious deceits have been discovered.”
The enemy's behavior is also like that of a military leader who wishes to conquer and plunder the objects of his desires. Just as the commander of an army pitches his camp, studies the strength and defense of a fortress, and then attacks it on its weakest side, in the like manner, the enemy of our human nature studies from all sides our theological, moral, and cardinal virtues. Wherever he finds its weakest point and most serious need regarding our eternal salvation, he attacks and tries to take us by storm”.
With full knowledge of his plan, we must then apply these points to our own temptations. Three things are necessary to beat the devil. The first is a show of strength and determination against the devil's suggestions. When we immediately turn to God and become strong the devil flees. The second is openness about our temptations with a spiritual friend. Once we expose the devil's temptations, he withdraws. The third is self-knowledge. If we know ourselves well — especially our weak areas — we will be more on guard against the temptations which attack us at our weak points.
Fr. Sullivan, M.J., is a priest with the Miles Jesu order. Miles Jesu is an Institute of Consecrated Life dedicated to promoting reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to Our Lady and faithfulness to the official teachings of the Church. For information on Miles Jesu and its Seminary Program, please call 1-800-654-7945 or visit their website at www.MilesJesu.com.
