Spiritual Warfare

There is an interesting post on another Christian website, Bob Larson Ministries, that describes a profound meeting that took place recently at the Vatican. Bob Larson is a Protestant Christian minister that is quite active in the ministry of exorcism. He describes his meeting with the Vatican's chief Exorcist, Father Gabriel Amorth,( http://www.boblarson.org/Bob_Larson_-_Vatican_Report_/bob_larson_-_vatican_report_.html ). This prayerful meeting, I am convinced, has caused great joy in Heaven and intense fear and consternation in Satan's legions.
Spiritual warfare is a reality affirmed in Scripture (Eph. 6:12-20). It is intensely evident in the harsh and graphic warfare of the spirit seen in our world today. The blindness, hatred and violence expressed in the bloody Islamic reactions to cartoons, the greed, corruption and violence that fuels the wars in the oil soaked mideast, the scandels in the church (Catholic and protestant), the battle for the family (divorce, materialism, hedonism and sexual promiscuity), abortion, the false gospel of SELF, all of these and many more are powerful examples of Satan seeking to destroy the soul and life of humanity.
Sadly Christians can fall to two common temptations in this conflict. One is to ignore or pretend that this warfare is not real but just the stirrings of ultra-conservative Christians. It seeks to either dismiss the manifestations of evil as only psychological problems or the product of ignorant superstitious minds. The second popular temptation is to over emphasize the power of Satan and yield to fear and doubt. This is evident when Satan is blamed for every disruption or challenge to the harmony of life. It may be fed with virtual superstitious devotions or scrupulosity.
The truth-filled response and teaching of the Church lead us as Christians to rejoice in the victory (and yes the battle) we share in the triumph of Christ achieved at the holy Cross and the resurrection. We need to take the time to prayerfully heed the message of God's Word and His Church: (II Cor. 10:4, Lu. 22:31;; Jn 16:33;; I Jn 5:4 and the many exorcisms shared in the Gospels, done by Christ and in the Book of Acts by His Church; also study the Catechism of the Church, paragraphs:391-395 & 1673).
The meeting of Bob Larson and Fr. Amorth invites and challenges all beleivers to recognize the conflict at hand and to allow the Holy Spirit to unite us, at the Cross, with our Lord, our Blessed Mother and all the saints to grow in the victory of God's grace and redemptive love. Jesus promised Peter that upon this rock He would "...build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" Mt. 16:18. Jesus describes a growing, victorious people and faith that would confront and overwhelm the very gates of hell. This battle of holy love is ours, with Christ and His holy angels.

Prayer to St. Michael

St. 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,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.