My dear Parishioners,

Peace! The first article of the Apostle’s Creed is: I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth. There are forty “in brief” statements in The Catechism of the Catholic Church which treat this article of our saving faith. What follows is a reflection on article 414.

While some people may accuse the Church of being overly concerned with the Satan, devils and other demons, it is good to recall that they do exist and do not wish us well. Normally, they are part of the ‘unseen’ creation, although their labors are often manifest. After forty-two (42) previous treatments of our faith in God who has created all things we are reminded of this aspect of our faith, namely, demonology. Mother Church highlights seven (7) things when it comes to Satan and his minions: their existence, their plurality, their spiritual nature, that they freely refused to serve God, that they freely refused to serve God’s design, that their choice against God is definitive, that they tempt us to join their revolt against God.

Sacred Scripture is full of references to Satan, the devil and demons (Matthew 4:1; Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:14 among others). One ploy which the father of lies is happy to use is the denial of his existence which in turn lowers our guard, which is contrary to Saint Peter’s inspired exhortation to ‘resist’ the devil steadfast and strong in faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). While there are many artistic depictions of Satan and various demons, the Last Judgment scene from the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo comes to mind as one of the most famous. Though they are depicted in various paintings and sculptures they do not have bodies.

That the demons are fallen angels should remind us likewise of those angels who did not fall, the holy angels. Before the fall of man the fall of Satan occurred (Revelation 12:7-9; Genesis 3:1-15) and the triumph of Saint Michael the Archangel and the heavenly hosts prefigured Christ’s definitive victory over evil, which is personified by Satan.
Whenever any of us refuse to serve God we are in league with the demons. Whenever any of us refuse to serve God’s design, His holy Law, Mother Church, we are likewise in league with Satan who would not serve.

Unlike the angels we are given many choices every day. The demons abused their free-will and chose definitively against God. When we sin we choose against God. When we repent and well confess our sins and live holy lives we choose God and His loving plan for us revealed fully in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 14:8-9)
With the intercession of Saint Peter, Saint Benedict, Saint Wolfgang and Saint Michael the Archangel and the power of God’s grace at work in us we can resist the temptations of Satan as the Lord shows us in Sacred Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11; 17:16-21; Mark 9:17-29).

Let us ever be associated with the holy angels who always do God’s bidding and never join in Satan’s revolt against our loving and eternal Father God.

God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr