Angels and demons

We have to be aware of their presence and activities in our life. They are real beings, not fictional characters or some merely literary devices meant to teach us a lesson.

They are always around. Their interventions and interferences in our life are not restricted to extraordinary occasions. They actually get involved in our daily affairs. And we just have to be more perceptive of them so we know to whom to run to and away from.

We are not purely material beings. We also are spiritual, with a spiritual soul. As such, our life cannot help but be in the loop of the spiritual beings, like angels and demons. We need to be more aware of this reality and learn how to live with it properly.

In the gospel there are many references to angels and demons. We have no basis to think that in today’s world, their presence has diminished if not eliminated. They are very much with us!

Strangely enough, some people think that way, with the reason that since Christ already assured us of redemption, the role of angels and the danger of demons are obsolete.

That is not so. It can also be argued that precisely because Christ completed his work of our redemption and just waits for us to do our part, the workings of angels and demons have also become more relevant. The demons’ evil interest in us has spiked, and our need for angelic help has increased.

That’s why, when we get closer to God we can also experience a more vicious and subtle attack from demons. We should not be surprised by this phenomenon, but rather feel confident we are doing good.

Angels will help us in all our needs. Demons are our worst traitors. They indeed can appear to be very friendly too, but only to turn us in.

Angels can be our security guard, defender, errand boy, or simply our companion in daily activities. They remind us of things important to us and warn us of potential dangers. We should take advantage of the many things they can do for us.

Demons, on the other hand, are more tricky in their ways. In fact, they can appear like our allies, and even as an “angel of light.” (cfr 2 Cor 11,14) But the fruits of their actions will always be bad. For us to be keenly discerning of their wiles, we need to be truly identified with Christ with the help of the angels and saints.

We should never forget that our life will always involve a continuing struggle. In our mind and heart will take place the constant battle between good and evil. We should be prepared for this lifelong condition.

It would be good to rely on God’s grace and the most effective support of the angels. To develop the proper devotion to the angels it might be good to use this prayer:

“Angel of God from heaven / I ask that you shelter me under your wings. / Lighten my path, direct my steps. / Do not leave me, stay near me and defend me against the evil spirit. / But above all come to my help in the last struggle of my life. / Deliver my soul so that I can praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God forever and ever. / Amen.