When I was at the seminary from 1995-2001 there was little discussion or teaching about what we might call "spiritual warfare." Angels were considered in scripture classes as a literary device. Over time, as I have been involved in house blessings of buildings afflicted by spiritual disorder and other situations of spiritual discomfort, I have come to realize the significance of the conflict between objective evil and the holy. Whenever we pray the Eucharistic Prayer we are reminded by the Church that we pray together with the angels and the saints. The Universe is not neutral. St Francis de Sales writes: "This life is a continual warfare and there is no one who can say, I am not attacked." (LR III, 48) In today's Gospel Jesus warns: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Mt 10: 28) The sacraments help us to resist evil and to do good. St Francis assures us: "Our victory does not lie in our not feeling imperfections, but in not consenting to them." (In I 5) We also have the consolation of knowing that our heavenly Father supports us in our times of trial and loves us with an everlasting and merciful love: "So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Mt 10: 21)
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