THIEVES IN THE DEVIL'S RANK

Divine Appeal Reflection - 194

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 194: "Pray a great deal. More than ever the thieves in the devil’s rank are claiming many victims."

Our Adorable Jesus, urgently calls upon all souls with these solemn words, reminding us to pray a great deal because more than ever, the thieves in the devil’s rank are claiming many victims. This grave warning unveils the sacrilegious struggle and spiritual battle that rages ceaselessly around us—a conflict not merely against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (cf. Ephesians 6:12). The evil one tirelessly seeks to rob souls of their faith, hope, and love, chaining them in the scandal of all kinds of malicious corruption, leading them into the darkness of sin and despair. Our Adorable Jesus wants us to recognize this dangerous truth and accept prayer as our best line of defense since it allows us to connect with God, who is our strength and our deliverer (cf. CCC 409; Psalm 18:2)

As stated in John 10:10, the devil is described in the Gospel as the thief who comes only to steal, murder, and destroy. He hunts for souls to consume with relentless violence, akin to a roaring lion (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). His weapons are deception, temptation, and confusion-drawing hearts away from our Adorable Jesus and luring them into the pits of sin and spiritual ruin. The tyrant has stolen many hearts and enslaved them to evil, causing hatred and emptiness to reign where love and peace should dwell. He is the father of lies, cunningly sowing doubt and distrust in God’s goodness, so that many fall into mortal sin or the dangerous snare of spiritual lukewarmness (cf. John 8:44). As the Church teaches, sin begets more sin, creating a downward spiral into vice and spiritual blindness (cf. CCC 1866). Without vigilant prayer, souls are left vulnerable to these destructive snares.

In fact, in response to this Divine Call, our Adorable Jesus desires us to pray in intercession and reparation for the sins committed by others against His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament with ardent intensity. The Church has made the exhortation that we join our sufferings, sacrifices, and daily crosses to the redemptive work of Christ, thereby sharing in the salvation of souls (cf. CCC 618). Each prayer, each act of reparation, performed with love for the conversion of sinners, consoles our Adorable Jesus, whose Heart is wounded more and more by all the indifference, profanation, and sacrilege committed against His Real Presence. By continuing in prayer and trusting in His infinite mercy, we become instruments of grace- rescuing souls from the loss that could otherwise befall them because of the thieves in the devil's ranks .

Indeed, time conspires with what has been sown. The spiritual battle is fiercer, and the necessity for prayerful warriors has become urgent . Adorable Jesus exhorts us to put all of our faith in His kindness, to give Him our hearts every day, and to pray a lot, especially for those who are more at risk of eternal damnation. To respond to this invitation is to care for our very souls and to act as instruments of mercy for many, saving countless souls from the clutches of the devil and returning them to the tender embrace of our Adorable Jesus, who longs to gather every heart into His redeeming love. 

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, in reliance on the grace of the Blessed Sacrament, we submit to Your care for our unending trust in Your Mercy. Take our hearts each day and make them wholly Yours. Rescue souls most in danger of eternal loss. Accept our prayers and acts of reparation for sins committed against You. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, draw all hearts into Your redeeming love. Draw sinners to Your saving embrace.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.