It seems like the devil has been so busy lately - in the world, in the lives of those I know, and in my own life. It makes sense, I suppose, it being Lent and all. If Lent is the time when we enter into the desert with Jesus, then of course the one who wasn't afraid to go after Him would set his eyes next on the ones He loves. And if he couldn't win with him, how the anger of that loss must drive his rage to want to devour us instead. The devil doesn't need a new m.o. Why would he when we forget so easily every. single. time. that he's there watching and waiting for the right time to sink his fangs in? We always forget and that's why it's so important that we Christians remember that he's real and he hates us. We need to talk about it or we'll be lulled yet again back to sleep. He will do everything in his power (which more often than not simply entails keeping us drowsy) to keep us from experiencing the Resurrection. He particularly hates marriage and family life and it is often there where we most see his wreckage.
For the last few years I've hosted the novena to Saint Joseph here from March 11-19 and have been so blessed to pray for so many of your intentions, specifically for husbands and fathers. This year I feel moved to focus on Saint Joseph under the title of...wait for it...Terror of Demons. Did you know that was one of his nicknames? It is! Because of his faithfulness, his humility, his chastity, and overall rocking of virtue, this old Jewish guy from Nazareth makes the demons of hell quake in fear and forces the devil to flee. I need a protector like that in my life, how about you?
So, what or how are the demons tempting you or terrorizing your loved ones lately?
Anger...
Lust...
Memories...
Memories...
Apathy...
Addiction...
Resentment...
Resentment...
Pornography...
Depression...
Guilt...
Marital issues...
Fear...
Old wounds...
Family sin...
Alcohol...
Despair...
Self hatred...
Laziness...
Gossip...
Where does he try to take you or someone you love down? Because make no mistake, he is trying...and especially so when you are on the brink of doing or becoming something beautiful and good for Him. Sure, not all of those things always originate in him but he will most certainly take advantage of whatever weakness he sees. He's a jerk like that and we shouldn't expect otherwise.
I'd love to pray with and for you. Please join us beginning tomorrow. The novena can be found below. Just like the other years, you are welcome to leave your specific intentions in the comments, on the Facebook page, or email me directly and I will pray for them every day.
Let's let Saint Joseph do his thing for us, for the people we love, and for the world.
(Click on the button in the upper right corner to view and print the novena and pray along.)
(Click on the button in the upper right corner to view and print the novena and pray along.)
thank you
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Thank you (again) for hosting this awesome novena to one of my favorite saints! I need a protector like him in my life, too. Thank you also of your prayers. I will be including you all in mine as well.
ReplyDeleteLent blessings!