We Should Take This Very Seriously As We Work Our Way Into 2026

As Catholics, we should take this seriously as we work our way into 2026.

This = The Devil.

The devil is real, as real as it gets. But these days people seem to either ignore or downplay his existence. Why? Too "negative"? As an attitude, that's as foolish as it gets.

How does this impact us in our work? There are too many ways to count, if you understand what the devil is up to - constantly. 

Now, do we work under a cloud, tremble throughout the work day out of fear that the devil will strike at any moment? Of course not. Indeed, the devil does his best to assure us there's nothing to fear. Otherwise, how would he get his way with us?

No, what we should do, however, is make sure that we know of and believe in his existence. Then go about our work with the assurance that if we rely on God's grace, if we cooperate with the grace He will surely send us to resist the wiles of Evil One. When any temptation to go off the reservation comes, we can turn to our Guardian Angel who is already ready, willing, and able to help. Indeed, our Guardian is likely already trying to shield and strengthen us to keep us safe from falling into sin. 

All of this cries out for us to know and understand the fundamental reality of the supernatural. We've gone over this many times in the past. We likely will in the future (God willing). The natural world may occupy our minds and hearts most of the time. But it's in and through the supernatural world that our souls exist and provide a safe and secure place in which the Holy Trinity will dwell - as long as we remain in the state of grace. And it is that state that the devil will do his best to disrupt, if not destroy.

Too dramatic of exaggerated for us to manage as we begin our work today? Let's hope not. 

To help us to keep the reality of the devil secure in our daily struggle to grow closer to God, through our work each day, here's something Father Z posted on the Feast of St. Michael last September. 

There are lots of “signs” these days.

The Devil, the Enemy of the soul, always tells us what he is up to. He puts small hints and indications right in front of our faces woven together with other things that appear to be innocent or beautiful.

Sometimes the signs the Foe reveals are compulsive. He, demons, and human agents can’t help but show them.

Other times, it’s a sort of gloating, a “Look at what I’ve done!” sign.

As for human agents, some higher ups in satanism do all they can to hide their affiliation while the lower echelon members show it off.

Nonetheless, the upper ranks still reveal something of their affiliation without thinking they are doing so.

It has ever been so, but now it seems to be accelerating.

Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae caelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude.

Amen.

St. Michael by Daniel Mitsui