Tag: demons
The Spirits Around Us: What are our access points?
We write about the spirits around us, and this is a time of the year important in that regard; there have been mystics who’ve said it’s on Christmas that the greatest number of souls are released. Apparently, like certain hours of the night, like three a.m., at Christmastime the veil seems to thin. Fortunately, more… Read More ›
Outburst
I suppose that many people at one time or another has trouble in dealing with very powerful emotions. They seem to have a life of their own these emotional reactions, coming to birth it seems explosively at times, or slowly building, until some form of expression must be articulated, often in destructive ways. I know… Read More ›
All Hallow’s Eve Treat
Trick or Treat! Walt Disney’s original Fantasia was a classic mixture of classical music and animation. A bit dated by today’s standards it is still a beautiful use of the technology of the time. Children and adults are still fascinated by the movie. “Uncle Walt,” as so many of us knew him, was proud of… Read More ›
Simple beyond measure.
You have heard from many all about the blessed Innocent, the priest of the Mount of Olives. Nevertheless you will also hear from us, who lived with him for three years. He was simple beyond measure. Once he had been one the palace dignitaries in the early days of Emperor Constantius. This Innocent was so… Read More ›
It is not as easy at it seems
One of the brothers asked if he might be allowed to live with him in the desert. He replied that it was a very serious matter, and very laborious, to withstand the temptations of the demons, but the young man urged it all the more vigorously, protesting that he would be able to put up… Read More ›
In tempation there is always help
It happened that Abba Moses the Ethiopian was struggling with the temptation of fornication. Unable to stay any long in the cell, he went and told Abba Isidore. The old man exhorted him to return to his cell. But he refused, saying, “Abba, I cannot.” Then Abba Isidore took Moses out onto the terrace and… Read More ›
Exorcist says Satan exists but without ‘horns, wings or a tail’
Bogotá, Colombia, Sep 20, 2010 / 10:03 pm (CNA).- Spanish exorcist Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea Cucurull stated in an interview last week that though Satan does indeed exist, he does not have “horns, wings or a tail.” The priest recommended that the faithful seek the counsel of a priest if they suspect someone is possessed…. Read More ›
Be Watchful of Your Thoughts
A brother asked one of the elders, “What shall I do? My thoughts are always turned to lust without allowing me an hour’s respite, and my soul is tormented by it.” He said to him, “Every time the demons suggest these thoughts to you, do not argue with them. For the activity of demons always… Read More ›
The Way of Salvation
While he was still living in the imperial palace, Abba Arsenius prayed to God in these words, “Lord lead me in the way of salvation.” And a voice came to him saying, “Arsenius: flee from men and you will be saved.” Having withdrawn to the solitary life he made the same prayer again and he… Read More ›
Wrestle with One’s Demons
When they spend time in solitude and in silence, people inevitably have to wrestle with their own demons. Indeed, that very phrase to “wrestle with one’s demons” is derived from the fathers and mothers of the desert tradition. They speak quite literally of the forces of evil that will tempt the solitary monk or nun… Read More ›