In the world of nature, there is an interesting interplay between predator and prey. A herd of caribou is strong as long as it sticks together. The wolves test and probe the herd, searching for weaknesses and trying to isolate the weak animals from the herd.
There are some similarities between the natural world and the spiritual world. Where the spirit is weak, there Satan attacks. Likewise, where there is decay, strife, or discord among people, there Satan concentrates on picking apart the defenses until his demons have an entry way. "Wherever the carcass is, there will the vultures gather" (Lk 17:37). "The devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt 5:8).
Even when the Lord has worked renewal, if spiritual growth does not follow, the renewed area decays (see Lk 11:24-26). Satan and his demons then look "to catch those who have just come free from a life of errors" (2 Pt 2:18). If those people do not seek to grow strong in the Lord, the "vultures gather" (Lk 17:37) and spiritual death is near at hand (see 2 Pt 2:20-22).
Therefore, it is so critical for us to seek to grow daily in Jesus. Ask, seek, knock for the grace to grow (Mt 7:7). Read the Scriptures daily. Go to Mass frequently, daily if possible. To avoid becoming spiritual prey, "never cease praying" (1 Thes 5:17). "Grow strong in your holy faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). Be a "repairer of the breach" (Is 58:12) and not the person who makes the breach worse.
| PRAYER: | Father, help me. Give me the grace, energy, and desire to allow You to grow Your new life within me (Phil 2:13). |
| PROMISE: | "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork." –Ps 19:2 |
| PRAISE: | After the death of her husband, St. Elizabeth gave herself entirely to serving the poor. She died at age twenty-four and was canonized just four years later. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College