Related Articles
A spiritual guide to resisting the Evil One in the modern world
Introduction: Does the devil still exist?
In an age where rational thought and science seem to have an answer for everything, talking about the devil may sound outdated or even superstitious. Many Christians today live as if the devil does not exist. However, the Catholic faith—based on Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium—clearly teaches that the devil is a personal, active, and dangerous reality. Denying this would be denying an essential part of the Gospel.
Jesus Himself spoke of the devil many times and confronted him directly. The First Letter of Peter warns:
“Be sober and vigilant. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
The devil is not a metaphor for evil nor a cultural projection. He is a fallen spiritual being, intelligent and active, whose sole mission is to separate us from God and destroy our souls.
I. A bit of history: Who is the devil?
Catholic tradition teaches that the devil is a fallen angel. He was created good by God, like all the angels, but through pride rebelled against Him. The prophet Isaiah describes him as follows:
“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God’…” (Isaiah 14:12-13).
The Book of Revelation symbolically recounts this battle:
“Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were not strong enough…” (Revelation 12:7-8).
Since his fall, the devil has worked to drag humanity into the same eternal ruin he has chosen. He cannot defeat God, so he attacks what God loves most: His children.
II. The devil today: The enemy’s strategies in the 21st century
Although the devil has not changed in his nature, his strategies do adapt to each era. In the 21st century, his attacks are more subtle, more sophisticated, and often more effective because they disguise themselves as progress, freedom, or even spirituality. Let us look at some of his main current strategies:
1. Denial of his existence
One of the devil’s greatest successes today is convincing many that he doesn’t exist. If there is no enemy, there is no fight. This denial even infiltrates Church environments, weakening believers’ spiritual vigilance.
2. Moral relativism
The idea that “everything depends on your point of view” undermines the very notion of sin and truth. If there is no objective good or evil, then anything goes. The devil whispers: “Do whatever you want, no one has the right to tell you otherwise.” Thus, he destroys the soul’s moral foundation.
3. Idolatry of the self
We live in the age of ego. Self-esteem has become a religion. Social media feed narcissism and self-centeredness. The devil uses this obsession with self to weaken openness to God and others.
4. Permanent distraction
Modern life is full of stimuli: screens, notifications, noise, anxiety, speed. The soul needs silence to hear God. The devil sows distraction to prevent an encounter with the Truth.
5. Esotericism and false spiritualities
While many drift away from the Christian faith, they seek answers in tarot, astrology, energies, reiki, “angels” without Christ, meditation without God. The devil disguises himself as light to deceive:
“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
6. Division
The devil is diábolos, the one who divides. He divides families, communities, parishes, nations. He feeds hatred, suspicion, polarization. Where there is division and uncharitable conflict, he is at work.
III. How to counterattack: A theological and pastoral practical guide
Spiritual warfare is real, but we are not alone. Christ has already defeated the devil through His Cross and Resurrection. Our task is to remain in that victory. Here is a concrete guide to live in vigilance and strength:
1. Live in the grace of God
“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit” (John 15:5).
Frequent confession and sacramental communion are the most powerful weapons against the devil. Sanctifying grace is the soul’s shield. Without it, we are vulnerable. With it, the devil trembles.
Practical advice: Go to confession at least once a month and never receive Communion in a state of mortal sin.
2. Constant prayer
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer is dialogue with God and strength for the soul. The Rosary, in particular, is a powerful sword against the Evil One. The Virgin Mary has been called by the Fathers “the new Eve,” and in Revelation she is seen fighting the dragon.
Practical advice: Pray the Rosary daily. Dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to silent prayer with the Lord.
3. Reading the Word of God
When Jesus was tempted in the desert, His only defense was Scripture. “It is written,” He replied to the devil. The Bible is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). In it, we find the truth that frees and disarms the devil’s lies.
Practical advice: Read one chapter of the Gospel each day. Especially meditate on the passages about the temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20).
4. Spiritual discernment
St. Ignatius of Loyola taught us to distinguish the movements of the soul: those that come from God and those that come from the enemy. In an age of confusion, we need discernment to avoid being deceived.
Practical advice: Ask yourself each day: Does this thought, feeling, or desire draw me closer to God or away from Him?
5. Active charity
The devil hates charity because it is God’s love in action. To love, serve, forgive, and renounce selfishness: these disarm him.
Practical advice: Do a concrete act of charity each day: listen to someone, forgive, help, pray for someone who hurt you.
6. Sacramental and liturgical life
Sacramentals (holy water, medals, blessings, exorcisms) are not superstitions but concrete expressions of Christ’s power. Participating in the Mass, adoring the Blessed Sacrament, receiving anointing or blessing the home are acts that protect the soul.
Practical advice: Keep holy water at home, wear a blessed medal, and regularly bless your house.
IV. The devil fears the saints
Where there is holiness, the devil flees. Saints are not perfect, but they are humble, obedient, and in love with God. The devil can do nothing against a humble soul that trusts in divine mercy. As St. Teresa of Jesus said:
“There is no reason to fear; if God is with us, who can be against us?”
Conclusion: Raise your head and fight!
The devil is real, but so is Christ’s victory. We are called to vigilance, not to fear. Jesus has conquered and invites us to live as children of the light. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (cf. Ephesians 6:12). But this struggle is fruitful because it is the path to freedom.
Raise your head. Let go of fear. Put on the armor of God. And fight with joy, knowing that whoever remains in Christ is already more than a conqueror.
Final prayer
Lord Jesus, conqueror of sin and death,
deliver me from every snare of the enemy.
Clothe me with Your armor of light.
Teach me to discern, to resist, to pray, and to love.
May the Holy Spirit guide me, and may the Virgin Mary, Your Mother and mine, cover me with her mantle.
Amen.
