attacks by demons
Hi, I am 14 and am seriously considering a religous vocation of some kind, and want to understand more about Catholisism.
I was reading this section and it made me think of a few questions of my own. I know demons can appear in many forms, so if one were to appear as an Angel, Christ, Saint, etc. how would a person know it was were a demon if they would at all?
Also, do demons attack anyone they want? Is there any way to be more protected from such attacks or more vulnerable?
Thank you for any info, I've already learned alot from this site, and I will pray that you may help many more people.
QUESTION from Jason on February 28, 2004
Jason
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on March 16, 2004
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Dear Jason: The first measure to take in avoiding demonic attack is to be obedient -- to your parents, to civil government, to your teachers, to your superiors, and to the Church. In that regard, this forum is restricted to those 19 years old or older. You have to lie on the form to post this question. This may seem like a small and trivial thing, but Jesus said that if He cannot trust us on the small things, how can He trust us on the big things. Just something to think about. ;) As to your questions, demons can attack a person in a variety of situations. If one is sinning, playing in satan's sandbox (music, games, TV, movies that are occultic or otherwise improper), or giving him an invitation, demons can attack. Sometimes demons can attack for no reason -- just because. To reduce vulnerability to demonic attack be sure to frequent the Sacraments often -- weekly Mass (daily is better if possible), confession at least once per month, spending time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (at least one hour per week), developing prayer devotions, living a good and moral life, etc. In other words, to keep the devil out, keep Jesus in. Being a good Christian does not guarantee that demons will never attack, but it does reduce vulnerability and in those cases when they do attack you will have the strength to deal with it better. To tell a evil spirit masquerading as a good spirit, St. Peter gives is an answer in 2 Peter chapter 2. He describes false prophets. One of the things to look for is if the spirit contradicts ANYTHING the Church teaches, or tries to cause discord between people, tries to bring suspicion upon the bishops or the Pope, brings fear instead of love. St. John gives us solid advice and a means of testing the spirits:
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already. We will be in prayer for your vocation.
God Bless, |