'Do not put us to the test, but save us from the evil one' #Matthew6:7-15
Is there an Evil One?
In modern discussions around Faith, the presence of evil or the devil tends to be avoided. As followers we can be uncomfortable with the concept of evil itself. Psychology and philosophy are quick to offer rationale to wipe away the argument for evil i.e. they name the 'shadow side', repressed emotions, or conclude psychological disorders While these arguments may be valid, in sharing the 'Our Father' prayer with His disciples, Jesus includes a key line in the prayer; 'and do not put us to the test, but save us from the evil one'. In the modern rendition of the Our Father, we have lost the 'evil one' and replaced it with just 'evil'.
Some would argue that the greatest victory for the devil, is convincing humanity he does not exist. But Jesus tells us otherwise and encourages us to be vigilant. Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil; tempted with food, power and success and mastery in the world. When we are weak, the devil jumps in to exploit that weakness. He is the voice in our head that judges us, that encourages us to give in to our destructive desires, the devil is decisive and does not want to bring us to wholeness, he wants to separate us from God. The devil wants to keep us imprisoned in our fears and addictions to make us small in the world, that we not be the strong instruments of God. The spirit of the devil infiltrates the modern world. It is full of false promises and 'shiny new object' syndrome, it does everything in its power to negate the presence of God.
So today, let us examine the cords which bind us to destructive habits and behaviours. Let us examine where our priorities lie, do we but God first? In times of weakness, let us call on the Lord to help us, to guide us, to protect us. Let us pray to Michael the Archangel;
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.