THE DEVIL
“He works like a
noiseless file . . .”
A. Introduction
Teresa’s penetrating gaze discerns the importance
of the devil’s action, and her intention is to draw attention to his presence
where there is enough to hide him, and to expose his ruses when soul is at
crossroads or dangerous passes :
B.
Nature and Power of the
Demons
1.
Demons are fallen angels
(a).
Angels
are created by God, pure spirits, beings of light endowed with intellect and will,
destined to participate in His divine life
(b).
Lucifer,
the greatest among angels, was fascinated by His own light and refused to
submit to God
(i)
Drew
along with him a multitude of angels, now evil spirits and powers of hatred,
given permission to intervene in the world. They contribute providentially to
human trials. They can only intervene by virtue of their angelic nature
(ii)
Dominates
the inferior world of matter and the senses. Knows laws and reactions of matter
and senses. Nothing in material, sensible world escapes action or influence of
the devil
(iii) Cannot penetrate
soul’s higher faculties unless will gives entry
2.
Supernatural world, into which one
can enter only with loving faith, is completely closed to the devil
(a).
Operations
of God in the soul, and laws of the spiritual world that experience alone
discloses, are an impenetrable mystery for the evil spirit.
3.
The devil intervenes by means of
sensible impressions and images that are presented to the intellect and will
(a).
Sense
image so subtle and passes so quickly to idea that soul is easily deceived and
doesn’t suspect the intervention of the devil
(b).
Devil
can guess habitual orientation of soul in supernatural life by external
indications, and can discern lack of supernatural strength
C.
Intervention of the Devil
in the Spiritual life
1.
Frequency of the intervention of the
devil
2.
Manner and purpose of the action of
the devil
(a).
Temptation
(b).
Disquiet
of soul
(c).
A
liar and the father of lies
D.
Means of Recognizing the
Action of the Devil
1.
Be distrustful and wait
2.
First fruit of devil is lie
3.
Devil cannot produce peace and
humility
E.
How to Combat the Action
of the Devil
1.
Arms for fighting the devil
(a).
Prayer
and vigilance
(b).
Fasting
(c).
Holy
water
2.
Tactics
(a). Exercise of faith or anagogical acts
(b).
Humility