UPHOLDING FAITH ON FIRE

Divine Appeal Reflection - 231

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 231: "The revolution has already begun a long time ago and it cannot be stopped by human hands! There is Red Lucifer’s power which walks in their midst. They are commanded by his Legion and they destroy everything that falls in their hands."

Our Adorable Jesus warns us that the battle we face is not new—it has been unfolding for centuries, creeping into every part of life. Today, we see its effects in ways we never imagined: a grandmother afraid to speak about her faith because she might be labeled intolerant, a teenager pressured to fit into a world that mocks purity, a father struggling to lead his family in prayer when distractions pull everyone apart. The Catechism reminds us that sin is not just a personal failing; it spreads like wildfire, shaping cultures and institutions in ways that pull us further from God (cf. CCC 408-409). And yet, despite how overwhelming it seems, we must remember that Christ has already won. No darkness, no deception, no rebellion can ever undo His victory (cf. John 16:33).

The mention of "Red Lucifer’s power" brings to mind the way evil subtly weaves itself into daily life. It’s not always obvious—sometimes, it’s in the slow erosion of truth rather than a sudden attack. We see it when companies silence voices of faith but celebrate everything that contradicts God’s law. We feel it when schools push ideologies that confuse young minds about identity and purpose. A mother looks on helplessly as her child, who was formerly excited to attend church, start to question everything after hearing stories in class or seeing images on a screen. The Bible warns us that the enemy is like a roaring lion, looking to devour (cf. 1 Pet 5:8), but Our Adorable Jesus instructs us to fight—not with rage, but with truth, prayer, and love (cf. Eph 6:11–12).

The Legion that follows Lucifer does not always come with weapons and threats; sometimes, it comes wrapped in promises of a better world. We see it when people are shamed for defending life, when virtue is painted as outdated, when a person loses their job simply for refusing to compromise their faith. A young woman turning down a lucrative career opportunity because it goes against her morals. A teacher refusing to conform to an agenda that confuses rather than enlightens. A small parish community standing together despite ridicule, choosing to keep Christ at the center of their lives. The Catechism reveals that the Christian journey is no broad and easy road but a narrow, demanding ascent (cf. CCC 2015). Yet, every act of faith—no matter how quiet, no matter how hidden—becomes a hammer against the gates of darkness. A single whispered prayer, a moment of unseen perseverance, even the smallest "yes" to God sends tremors through eternity. For in the economy of grace, no trust is wasted, no sacrifice unnoticed; each step toward Him becomes a torch that scatters the night.

We are not alone, even though it sometimes feels easy to feel helpless. Instead of calling us to face this struggle alone, our Adorable Jesus walks with us.The world may grow louder in its defiance, but it is temporary. Every whispered prayer, every act of kindness, every refusal to bow to falsehood is a seed of light that evil cannot uproot. The victory belongs to Christ, and those who endure will see the fullness of His kingdom (cf. Rev 21:5). So, we keep going. We hold onto hope. We trust that even when the world seems to crumble, He is making all things new.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, in a world that twists truth and silences faith, be our steady light. When fear grips us, make us bold. When doubt creeps in, fill us with trust. When love grows cold, set our hearts aflame. Let our lives speak of You louder than words ever could. 

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