Daily Meditation - Wednesday 2July 2008 - TALKING ABOUT DEMONS AND HOW TO FIGHT THEM

[BarbaraTherese]

**Mass Readings and **Meditation

Readings

Meditation

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Matthew 8:28-34

Most of what we observe has a perfectly rational explanation. But what about the two men in today’s Gospel?

Some would say their strange behavior was due to epilepsy or schizophrenia

• —certainly many people who fall on the ground or talk in strange voices suffer from some form of mental illness.
• But how can we explain what happened to those pigs?
• They weren’t schizophrenic!
• Only something powerfully evil could make them rush headlong to their deaths.
• In this case, the only “rational” explanation is the work of demons!
  As believers, we need to be aware
  that demons are just as real*** today***
  as in Jesus’ time.
• However, the point of the story is not to fill us with fear.
• Rather, it’s to show us that Jesus has absolute authority over the powers of darkness.
• He overthrew Satan through his sacrifice on Calvary.
• There he destroyed any claim the devil has on us,
• making a “public spectacle” of evil by “nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14-15).
• And when Jesus comes again, Satan’s power will be destroyed forever (Revelation 20:10).
  If Jesus has already defeated Satan, that means that we don’t have to live under the devil’s influence anymore!
• Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus has given us all the tools we need to deal with the devil’s schemes and tactics.
• He even promised us that in his name, we can command evil spirits to depart from us (Mark 16:17).

That being said, we will seldom encounter demonic possession.

• However, evil spirits may attack in other ways.
• For no apparent reason, we may find ourselves
  1. strongly tempted to sin,
  2. bothered by harsh feelings of condemnation,
  3. or haunted by memories of past hurts.

• 
  

  If you or your loved ones have these experiences, don’t think you’re to blame—
  

  • all the saints were harassed in this way.
  • Instead, call upon Jesus, and by the authority of his name drive away whatever is oppressing you.
  • Challenge the condemning voices with the truth about who you are in Christ and about Jesus’ triumph over sin.
  • Believe in the Lord, surrender to him,
  • and watch as you are set free to know the joy, freedom, and victory you have in Christ!

  “Lord, all authority in heaven and on earth is yours.
  Help me never to doubt your victory over evil,
  or my authority
  to drive it out in your name.”