Disclaimer: This is one of those times where I have to remind myself that honesty is important and worthwhile, that I should fight to live without shame when it comes to talking about the truths of God, and in humility admit that I do not know everything but that I desire to seek truth, even through what would seem to some as unconventional avenues. I ask for respect and gentleness toward this subject toward me and toward others.
In the last year I have encountered the spiritual world in ways I was never convinced existed. I know a lot of people that like to say that paranormal activity is just a joke, a lie, and a hoax, or that it has nothing to do with God, but I've learned that that's not the case. I have had friends attacked and possessed and friends explain to me that they see the spiritual world and the battle that rages everywhere they go. It's become something very apparent to me and I now know that my role within this activity was what was symbolized in the putting on of my cross necklace. Because of my need to understand the way it is approached in our world and the realities of what is happening, I did some research on demonic activity. After a video interview with a Catholic exorcist who explained what he does and what is happening when he performs an exorcism, the quote below came onto the screen from Book 1, Chapter 13 of "The Prophecies and Revelations of Saint Bridget (Birgitta) of Sweden."
I don't know what I believe about the validity of Saint Birgitta's revelation. I wouldn't declare it to be truth, but I would not declare it to be lies. I do know that there are many ways for the devil to gain a foothold in our lives and because of the teaching and experiences of others that I've encountered, I think what Saint Brigitta says is very important and true. We need to be aware of our lusts, intents, desires, and actions so that we can keep them aligned with God's will. I write all this and record this quote to be honest about what is happening in my life, honest about the spiritual realm and what is happening within the universal Church, and hopefully open the door to conversation: I welcome people to ask me questions about my experiences and to tell me about their own for the sake of learning, understanding, and pursuing holiness.
Chapter 13In the last year I have encountered the spiritual world in ways I was never convinced existed. I know a lot of people that like to say that paranormal activity is just a joke, a lie, and a hoax, or that it has nothing to do with God, but I've learned that that's not the case. I have had friends attacked and possessed and friends explain to me that they see the spiritual world and the battle that rages everywhere they go. It's become something very apparent to me and I now know that my role within this activity was what was symbolized in the putting on of my cross necklace. Because of my need to understand the way it is approached in our world and the realities of what is happening, I did some research on demonic activity. After a video interview with a Catholic exorcist who explained what he does and what is happening when he performs an exorcism, the quote below came onto the screen from Book 1, Chapter 13 of "The Prophecies and Revelations of Saint Bridget (Birgitta) of Sweden."
I don't know what I believe about the validity of Saint Birgitta's revelation. I wouldn't declare it to be truth, but I would not declare it to be lies. I do know that there are many ways for the devil to gain a foothold in our lives and because of the teaching and experiences of others that I've encountered, I think what Saint Brigitta says is very important and true. We need to be aware of our lusts, intents, desires, and actions so that we can keep them aligned with God's will. I write all this and record this quote to be honest about what is happening in my life, honest about the spiritual realm and what is happening within the universal Church, and hopefully open the door to conversation: I welcome people to ask me questions about my experiences and to tell me about their own for the sake of learning, understanding, and pursuing holiness.
“My enemy has three devils in himself. The first sits in his sexual organ, the second in his heart, the third in his mouth. The first is like a skipper who lets water in through the keel; the water, rises by increasing gradually, and then fills up all of the ship. Then the water floods over and the ship sinks down. This ship is his body that is harassed by the temptations of devils and by his own lusts as though by tempestuous waves.
First, the evil lust entered into his body through the keel, that is, through the evil desire with which he took delight in bad thoughts. And since he did not resist through repentance and penance and did not repair his body’s ship with the nails of abstinence, the water of lust increased daily while he gave his consent to evil. Then the belly of the ship filled with evil desires, and the water flooded over and drowned the ship with lust so that it was unable to reach the haven of salvation.
The second devil sits in his heart and is like a worm lying inside an apple. The worm first eats the core of the apple and then leaves its filth there and crawls around inside the whole apple until it is completely useless. This is what the devil does: First, he destroys the man’s will and good desires, which are like the core where all the soul’s strength and all goodness reside, and when the heart has been emptied of these goods, the devil then leaves in their place in his heart worldly thoughts and desires that he had loved more. The devil now drives his body to what pleases him, and for this reason, his strength and understanding are diminished and he begins to hate life. This man is indeed an apple without a core, that is to say, a man without a heart, for he enters my church without a heart since he has no love of God.
The third devil is like an archer who looks out through the windows and shoots at the careless. How can the devil not be in him who never speaks without mentioning the devil? That which is loved more is mentioned more often. His bitter words, with which he hurts others, are like arrows shot through as many windows as the number of times the devil is mentioned, and innocent people take offense at his words.
Therefore do I, who am the Truth, swear by my truth that I shall condemn him like a whore to the sulfurous fire, like a deceitful traitor to the mutilation of all his limbs and like a scoffer of the Lord to eternal shame! However, as long as his soul and body are united, my mercy stands ready for him. What I demand of him is that he should attend the divine services and prayers more often, not to fear any humiliation or desire any honor, and that evil or bad words will never be mentioned by his mouth.
* * * *
Again, I ask for respect and gentleness toward responding to this, if anyone does. It makes me uncomfortable to post this, but at the same time I think it's important as I strive to document and be honest not just about spiritual warfare, but because of that, the importance of guarding our hearts
4/16/11
No comments:
Post a Comment