As a Catholic scholar, it’s crucial to emphasize that while much of what I discuss here relies on the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, it’s always important to consult the Holy Scriptures, the Magisterium, and your spiritual advisors for personal guidance. What you’ll read here is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, and I aim to keep it simple so everyone can understand.
Understanding the Devil’s Presence
Before we dive into the ‘powerful thing’ that can keep the devil away, let’s first make clear who the devil is. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan” (CCC 414). The devil seeks to distance us from God, aiming to sever the connection that leads to eternal life.
But wait, you might ask, “Doesn’t God have power over the devil?” Absolutely, God is all-powerful. However, God allows for the existence of free will, both in angels and in humans. That means we have to make choices, and sometimes those choices open the door to evil influences.
A Life of Grace: Your Spiritual Armor
So what’s this ‘powerful thing’ to keep the devil away? It’s living a life of grace. This is not a one-time act, but a lifelong commitment to walk in the path God has set for us. Living a life of grace incorporates prayer, the sacraments, and acts of charity. It’s like putting on spiritual armor.
Prayer: Your Daily Conversation with God
In the simplest terms, prayer is talking to God. When you build a relationship with someone, you talk to them regularly, right? It’s the same with God. The more you communicate with Him, the stronger your relationship gets. The Catechism tells us, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559).
Jesus himself taught us the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father (Matthew 6:9-13). In this prayer, we ask God to “deliver us from evil,” a direct plea to keep the devil away. So, daily prayer is a protective shield against the devil’s temptations.
Sacraments: Meeting God in the Physical World
The sacraments are special occasions for experiencing God’s grace. In the sacrament of Baptism, we’re cleansed from original sin, and we receive the gift of faith. It’s like being given a new set of clothes, clean and shining, symbolizing a new life in Christ. “Baptism…purifies from all sins” (CCC 1263).
But remember, it’s essential to renew these graces, and that’s where the sacrament of Reconciliation comes in. When we confess our sins with a contrite heart, we’re cleansed anew. The Catechism says, “The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace” (CCC 1468).
Acts of Charity: Love in Action
James, in his New Testament letter, states, “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). Acts of charity are how we put our faith into practice, and these actions help to solidify our armor against the devil.
Scripture: The Word is a Sword
The Bible itself says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). One piece of that armor is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
The devil knows Scripture but twists it to deceive people. Jesus himself was tempted by the devil, who used Scripture to try and lure Him into sin (Matthew 4:1-11). How did Jesus respond? By quoting Scripture back but in the proper context. That’s our model: know the Word so well that you can wield it like a sword against temptation.
Universal Teaching Vs. Theological Opinion
Living a life of grace as a means to keep the devil at bay is not just a theological opinion; it’s the universal teaching of the Church. The Church instructs us to take part in the sacraments and encourages us to pray and to perform acts of charity. These aren’t optional extras but the core of what it means to be Catholic.
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church
The Case for Catholicism - Answers to Classic and Contemporary Protestant Objections
Meeting the Protestant Challenge: How to Answer 50 Biblical Objections to Catholic Beliefs
On the other hand, you might come across various devotions, prayers, or practices that claim to ward off the devil. While these can be helpful, they are often more in the realm of theological opinion rather than universal teaching. Always consult the Church’s teachings and your spiritual advisors when considering these options.
In Conclusion
Keeping the devil away isn’t about magic tricks or secret formulas; it’s about a steadfast commitment to live a life of grace. By engaging in prayer, participating in the sacraments, and performing acts of charity, you put on the whole armor of God. This is the powerful thing that not only keeps the devil away but also brings you closer to God, the source of all that is good.
Let us heed the words of James: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8).
A life of grace isn’t a guarantee that you’ll never face hardship or temptation, but it’s the most potent means we have to keep the devil away for good.
🙏 Your PayPal Donation Appreciated
Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.
Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.