Do not fear, Jesus is more powerful than all hell

This week we see Jesus in action-preaching and casting out demons with authority. There was a man in the synagogue like many others on a Sabbath but with an unclean spirit. He looked ordinary until he felt the presence of Christ. The demons within him felt the authority and power of Christ and could no longer hold him hostage. Jesus with authority frees the man of the evil enslaver. (Mark 1:21-28)

Demons are real and they exist in our midst to enslave us and throw us into confusion. We too like this man who look so ordinary may have demons tearing us apart and creating confusion within us. The evil one lies, confuses us and throws us into anxiety, hopelessness and “hardens our hearts”.

“When Christians face trials, Jesus is near, but so is “the enemy — the devil,” who “comes, often disguised as an angel and slyly speaks his word to us.”” He is a con artist because he tells us that we have to abandon our friends, and never to stand by anyone. Everything is based on appearances. He makes you think that your worth depends on how much you possess” (Pope Francis 2015).

“The root of all evil is ‘I’, ‘Me’ , ‘Mine’.”

St Padre Pio

So what do we do?

Do not fear, Jesus is more powerful than all hell (Padre Pio). Jesus has the power and authority over everything that exist.

• Be rooted in the scriptures
  The Gospel is the word of life: it does not oppress people, on the contrary, it frees those who are slaves to the many evil spirits of this world: the spirit of vanity, attachment to money, pride, sensuality. The Gospel changes the heart, changes life, transforms evil inclinations into good intentions. The Gospel is capable of changing people! ( Pope Francis 2015).
  
• Say the rosary: Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today (Padre Pio).
  
• Invoke your Guardian Angel who will enlighten you. (Padre Pio)

-SR