THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Her Doctrine and Morals

Third Sunday in Lent

23 March 2025

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The Sunday

Sermon

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Dear Friends in Christ,

We are reminded again today of the constant attempt of the demons to destroy us. Today's Gospel reading (Saint Luke 11:14-28) shows us some people attempting to discredit the miracles of Jesus by attributing them to demons. Jesus calmly demonstrates the absurdity of this accusation. The demons do not work against the demons. Likewise, God does not work against Himself. Jesus then shows us that the demons do not give up but return over and over again, seeking to enter the souls from which they were driven.

Saint Cyril says: "For while they [Israelites] were in Egypt, living after the manner of the Egyptians, an unclean spirit dwelt in them, which was driven out of them when they sacrificed a lamb, a figure of Christ; and sprinkled with its blood they escaped the Destroying Angel."

Saint Ambrose continues in this vein: "So the whole Jewish nation is likened to one man, from whom, because of the Law, an unclean spirit had gone forth. But because the devil could find no rest among the Gentiles, whose hearts, which before were dry and hard, but after Baptism had begun to soften from the dew of the Spirit because of faith in Christ (for Christ is the undoing of unclean spirits), he then returns to the Jewish people. So there follows: And not finding, he saith: I will return into my house whence I came out."

The work of the Children of God is a perpetual labor for the restoration of souls to God through Jesus Christ. Conversely, the children of devils are engaged in a relentless effort to destroy souls through any means possible. This eternal struggle is not a mere historical phenomenon, but a present reality. At times, it may seem that the forces of evil are gaining ground, drawing more and more souls into their clutches. However, we must always remember the ultimate outcome of this ongoing battle. When the war ends, the Children of God will bask in the eternal glory of God, while the children of devils will face the everlasting punishment of demons.

Without a Divine revelation, none of us is secure or sure of where we spiritually stand or if we will persevere to the end. We see nations rise and fall both civilly and spiritually, and humans rise and fall both materially and supernaturally. Again and again, we need to cast out demons individually, nationally, and worldwide.

At our Baptism, the demons were driven from us; by subsequent sins, the demons return. However, through the Sacrament of Confession or Penance, a sacred practice in our Faith, they are driven out again. No matter how many times they are driven back, they return even more determined to take over our souls. This is why regular confession and penance are crucial in our spiritual journey, as they help us to continually cast out these demons and strengthen our spiritual resilience.

However, God does not allow them to tempt us beyond our ability to resist them. We are not helpless pawns in a game. With every temptation, God gives us the grace to resist it and drive it back. With each temptation that is successfully overcome, we become spiritually stronger. With each temptation that we give in to, we become spiritually weaker.

As we become spiritually stronger, the attacks of the demons become stronger as well. They are permitted to attack us, but never beyond our ability to resist them. As we grow in the spiritual life, we are increasingly exposed to greater or more intense attacks of the devils. The devils do this because they don't want to give us up. God allows this to strengthen us further, increase our eternal merits, further humiliate the demons, and for His greater honor and glory.

If we allow ourselves to succumb to demonic temptations, we become spiritually weaker. The devils' temptations against us become less intense because they are more secure in their destruction of our souls. God limits the demons' temptations against us in this weaker state because He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist the devils.

Consequently, if we find ourselves free from strong temptations, it does not mean we are doing well or are spiritually strong. It more likely means that we are truly spiritually weak. The corollary is also true. If we face strong temptations, it does not mean we are failing or are spiritually weak. It more likely means that we are spiritually stronger.

We are most vulnerable to the demons' temptations in the moments of our spiritual pride. Therefore, we must always seek to humbly acknowledge the graces and goodness of God in whatever good we do or find within us. Similarly, we must humbly attribute the weaknesses and failings of our spiritual life to ourselves. This humility is not a sign of weakness, but a source of strength, as it allows us to fully rely on God's grace and protection.

In the face of demonic temptations, we can always turn to God in humble prayer and beg for His protection. Whether we seek it directly from Jesus (God the Son), through Saint Michael, the Blessed Virgin, or any of the Saints in Heaven, God's grace is always sufficient. We need not fear the demons, nor should we despair, even if we have fallen. As long as we find ourselves still in this world, there is always hope. As long as there is breath, there is hope.

In this state of spiritual humility, we should boldly drive back and cast out these demons in Jesus's Name. The Sign of the Cross is very effective. In moments of fear, we can spiritually turn to the Mother of God, and the demons will flee in her presence.

In this life, we can never rest from this war. Temptations will rise and fall in or around us our entire lives here on earth. Their intensity is limited by our spiritual abilities. However, the Graces of God also rise and fall in or around us our entire lives here on earth. Their strength is proportioned to the demons and temptations we must fight.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!