The Lord will judge the world with justice.-- Psalm 9:9
Mass readings: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 / Luke 11:15-26
Part of ''giving the devil his due'' is admitting he's very talented at what he does: making what's bad for us look very, very good. This fallen angel, and his companions, want nothing more than for us to fall, too. And he's persistent. Today's Gospel reminds us that Satan doesn't give up easily. Or, as Peter put it in his first letter, ''Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour'' (1 Peter 5:8).
''Vigilant'' isn't the same as afraid. Thank God. Truly. Thank God we don't have to be afraid because Satan has been defeated by Christ and, through His grace, we can beat him day after day, temptation after temptation.
Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear, help me choose wisely.