My dear Parishioners,
Peace! There are nineteen (19) In Brief articles in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which treat the Lord’s Prayer or “Our Father.” The following reflection considers CCC, 2864.
The seventh petition, demand or request of the Lord’s Prayer asks for deliverance from Evil. This is not a generic part of our prayer but refers specifically to the Evil One, the devil or Satan. Here we consider God’s power to protect us from the ‘prince of this world” who is also called the dragon, the ancient serpent and the devil (cf. John 12:31; 14:30; 17:11; Revelation 20:2). Demonology (the study of the demon(s)) is a part of our understanding of God and His Creation. As early as the Fall or Original Sin (cf. Genesis 3:1-9) we see a contrast between good and evil, God and Satan. God is always greater and we are greater with Him. In praying the Lord’s Prayer we make His words our words and His power is at work in us, even against the devil.
The victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death, the Cross and the grave and Satan himself has been accomplished, once for all. Our praying the Lord’s Prayer asks God’s help so that we might manifest Christ’s victory in our lives individually and together with others in the communion of the Church. Whenever we sin we are in league with the devil (cf. 1 John 3:8). Sadly, devils have been wrongly worshiped by evil doers, not only whoremongers (cf. Leviticus 17:7). Whenever we repent our sins or do what is right we are working with the grace of God and are living as His adopted children.
When Mother Church denounces Satan we are reminded that this fallen angel is personally opposed to God and His design of salvation. While the devil may be superhuman the devil is still only a creature. God warns us to beware of our enemy the devil who prowls like a roaring lion seeking whom he will to devour (cf 1 Peter 5:8). When we pray the Lord’s Prayer we ask God’s help to resist the Father of Lies (cf. John 8:44). In praying the Lord’s Prayer we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil (cf. James 4:7). Let us redouble our efforts to be a people of prayer.
The devil’s traps and schemes are many but God’s grace and mercy are greater and serve as a shield (cf. 1 Timothy 3:7; Ephesians 6:11). The Lord Jesus who was tempted during the forty days which preceded His public ministry has given us in the Lord’s Prayer a tool to overcome the Evil One who is the devil (cf. Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). Some demons are cast out only through prayer and fasting (cf. Matthew 17:21). We are blessed to have in the Lord’s Prayer a spiritual weapon for our spiritual combat against Evil in our hearts and the world (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:4).
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr