Confronting The Satanist

I was scrolling through Instagram the other day when I saw this image with #Catholic. If you are reading my blog, then chances are that you are dedicated to, or at least respect, the catholic doctrine. This post will shred apart the side-by-side comparison that the creator made of Jesus v. Satan. I will serve the creator of this meme a heavy piece of humble pie. Read on below the image.  Before publishing this post, the meme had 5,354 likes.  That is 5,354 lost souls.

The figs: Jesus curses the fig tree in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11. Let’s make it clear, Jesus doesn’t hate figs. He knows that the Jewish people see it as a symbol of themselves. He curses the fig tree that doesn’t bear fruit to mean that he does not approve of the Jewish people who bear no spiritual fruit and are, in return, in spiritual apathy. Hahn’s Study Bible says, “...he announces his curse on the unfaithful of Israel- i.e. those who refuse him as the Messiah and lack the fruits of repentance.” Again, Jesus doesn’t hate figs as this meme creator asserts. Instead, he hates the lack of repentance. He loves us and wants us to be free from our sins. In opposition, Satan loves the spiritual apathy and lack of repentance. Which side will you choose?

Impregnated a virgin without consent: Jesus did not impregnate a virgin without consent. This assertion is barbaric.  Jesus is the fruit of the womb from our Blessed Mother.  Let's talk about Mary's fiat.  "Fiat" is Latin for "Let it be done."  When the Archangel Gabriel visited Mary, he told her that God wanted her to bear his Son in the human form in order to save the world. Read Luke 1:26-56.  Mary said, "yes."  This was her consent.  She was not impregnated against her own will.  God gave us free will and respects our free will that was given by His grace.  Mary consented to bear the Son of God by saying, "be it done to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38) God favored Mary; she is the Ark of the New Covenant.  Because of her "yes" the gates of Heaven were eventually opened upon the crucifixion of her only Son.  Her "yes" changed the world.  Her "yes" was consent to play a major role in salvation's history.  Will you say "yes" and open your heart to God?

​Boring Robes: Jesus was born into poverty.  He is the Son of the Most High King and he is the ruler of Heaven and Earth.  Yet, he chose to enter this world as a humble infant in the lowliest of economic welfares.  He chose to do this in order to connect with people from all walks of life and to show that he came to save us all.  Had he descended from Heaven with flashy robes and crazy pomp and circumstances, then that would have signaled that he was only the savior for the rich and mighty.  All three persons of the Holy Trinity are exceptionally humble and full of love.  Satan can keep his fancy robes, etc.  My savior doesn't need them.  They have no place in Heaven.  Jesus made friends with the lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors. He shows mercy on all who ask for his forgiveness.  Satan only cares for himself and is the sole definition of selfishness and self-love.  Which side will you choose? One of selfishness and cool robes or the side of humility, service, love and forgiveness?

Dedicate your weekend to singing hymns: Yes, Jesus certainly does want you to dedicate your weekend, and every other day, to praising him and spreading his Good News throughout the world.  "To sing is to pray twice."  This quote is attributed to St. Augustine.  Absolutely- dedicate your time to singing hymns of praise.  There is so much more freedom in this than in "smoking weed" as the meme creator suggests. We can become a slave to our own selfish desires.  When we relinquish ourselves to Christ, there is a new found freedom.  Personally, I feel as if I can breath better and feel as a weight has been taken off of my shoulders when I choose to follow the straight and narrow path.  At times, I have done things without prayerful discernment and it has never ended well.  In his letter to the  Thessalonians, St. Paul tells the people of Thessalonia to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

In conclusion, be on your guard and remain aware of the spiritual attacks that Satan presents.  He's sneaky.  He will show up everywhere and anywhere, including Instagram.  Always be at the ready with your own armory of spiritual weapons: attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture, taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, blessing yourself with holy water.  Satan hates these things.  Always have them at the ready.  As a veteran, believe me when I tell you that having your armory fully stocked and loaded is the best way to prevent attacks by the enemy.  Satan is surely the world's biggest enemy.