Section 2 | Rule #5: Regarding the Signs of Demonic Opposition

As God’s Spirit is evident in patience, perseverance, hope, and courage, in a contrary manner the evil spirits instill doubt and discouragement, attempting to convince the Custos that the trials, tests, tribulations and sufferings are evidence that his vocation is not of God, or never was an authentic calling from God, or that God wills him not to remain in his calling, or that his sanctification is impossible by means of his vocation. If the Custos surrenders to any of these lies, he will take steps toward abandoning his post. The evil spirits know that doubt consented to, leads the man to be discouraged, and once lodged in the soul, discouragement leads to disobedience to God’s will, and disobedience often results in despairing of God’s mercy. Let the Custos be aware that the evil spirits are bent on deceiving him with the lie that rather than perfection being a result of perseverance through trials, the absence of trials is the proof of perfection. Nevertheless, as the holy apostle says, “For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is to us, it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18).

Devin Schadt | Executive Director of the Fathers of St. Joseph

Ite ad Joseph