16 Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org Saint Michael and the Choirs of Angels I think many of us are like that. We’d rather not think about the devil, preferring instead to focus on more pleasant things. Granted, we should not dwell on Satan and his evil ways, because when we do that, we make him feel more powerful than he deserves. On the other hand, we should not ignore his existence, power to tempt us to disobey God’s commandments, or ability to engage us in a spiritual battle. We need to strike a balance between keeping our faces toward the divine and being aware of the influence of the evil one. Resist evil We are called by our Baptism to renounce evil and follow Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “By his reason, man recognizes the voice of God which urges him to ‘do what is good and avoid what is evil.’ Everyone is obliged to follow this law, which makes itself heard in the conscience and is fulfilled in the love of God and of neighbor” (1706). Resisting temptation and sin isn’t just a good idea; it’s an obligation, part of our Christian mission, and gives us dignity. Saints and angels Thankfully, we’re not left to our own devices in this regard! Our Lord has given us the Sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and Eucharist, to strengthen us against temptation. He’s also given us heavenly helpers — the saints to intercede for us and the angels to protect and guide us. The saints are human beings who have gone before us and lived lives worthy of canonization and imitation. But angels are pure spirits without forms or bodies whose only purpose is to praise God and mediate between God and man. They have the power of thinking, willing, choosing, and deliberately loving. Saints communicate to us through their words and examples while angels communicate with By Marge Steinhage Fenelon Heavenly helpers I have a friend who refuses to talk about anything having to do with Satan, even in the most abstract way. When his name comes up, she either changes the subject or bows out of the conversation. Clearly, it makes her uncomfortable. Choirs of Angels (detail), Annunciation to the Virgin, by Francesco Botticini. Public domain. New from Marian Press
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==