On January 8th we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord.
Baptism
The simple way to explain baptism is to understand that Adam was born of the flesh and Jesus was born of the Spirit. Because of Adam’s original sin, we all need to be baptized. By this sacrament one receives the Holy Spirit and is forgiven of all sins that were committed before baptism. This makes the baptized person a new creature. Through this rite we become adopted as a child of God and a member of the Catholic Church. In the case of an infant, the water is poured over the baby’s forehead; in an adult, the body is immersed in water. This is a holy sacrament to protect us from evil.
The Lord’s baptism was the beginning of His ministry. The Book of Mark is filled with vivid stories of Jesus casting out demons. There is a connection here because in order for Jesus to cast out these demons, He had to be baptized first. In His baptism Jesus was anointed for His ministry.
I remember my baptism because I was a four-year-old child. My younger sister Norma was a year old, and my sister Jo was seven. We were all baptized on the same day. Looking back on that day, I have a sense of great gratitude that our mother took on this spiritual commitment for us. Whether I realized it or not, it was part of my journey and baby steps into who I have become today.
If your children are not baptized, it is your responsibility before God to do this. Please do not become one of those parents who say, “This is their personal choice, and when they get older they will decide.” No they won’t! And the longer you wait, the more problematic it will become. The Sacrament of Baptism helps us fight demons in our life because we belong to God.
Two Movies
Over the weekend I watched two movies: Leave The World Behind and Nefarious. This is my personal critique:
Leave The World Behind
This movie is entertaining but offers no hope. The characters are forced to figure out life after losing contact with the rest of the world. They have no television, no Internet, no cell phones, and no explanation for all the bizarre things that are happening around them.
This forces two families to live together in an attempt to understand what has become of their world. No one knows what to do; they are all baffled and attempt to remedy the situation by escaping. In their world they feel that they have the intellect to solve the mystery. No one cries out to God, because in their world God does not exist. The story line had Kierkegaard’s signature philosophy of existentialism in plain view, so this movie will be popular with the general public.
Nefarious
Nefarious, on the other hand, teaches us how to rebuke demons. The story line is about an atheist who has to evaluate a prisoner. The prisoner is filled with demons; he shows the audience the source of evil, and that demons have power over people who are weak in their beliefs. The demons manifest themselves by knowing specific characteristics about the atheist. This movie offers the Christian believers an opportunity to reflect on their lives and to make sure that no doors are opened for the Enemy to enter.
Ports of Entry
Horoscopes/Astroology
In Hindu culture the positions and movements of planets and stars are believed to provide guidance and auspicious timing for upcoming events based on their position at the time of a person’s birth. They are believed to give insight into personality traits, marriage, careers and human relationships. But the Bible tells us to trust in God and warned against these beliefs. (Isaiah 8:19-22)
The Enemy loves to trick us into believing that horoscopes are innocent and just for fun. They may start off like that, but the deeper you enter into astrology the greater the possibility you have opened a door for the Enemy. All Satan needs is a cracked door to come in.
Yoga
Yoga is another entry to the occult. Yes, stretching is good for the body, but all the poses have names of deities, since some of the poses offers worship to Hindu Gods. Now you have invited more demons and after a while the party of demons will take over.
Ouija Boards
I remember as a young teen we bought a Ouija Board for fun, but it was not so much fun when the board communicates with you! I threw that demonic game board in the trash! Stay away from Ouija Boards! As an adult I had to renounce using it. This definitely has an evil spirit attached to it.
Tarot Cards
When I was a novice Christian, I thought that it would be a good idea to walk around Jackson Square in New Orleans quietly renouncing the evil spirits of the Tarot card readers. When I returned home I developed the most unusual cold/flu symptoms that lasted more than three weeks! The evil spirit got the best of me because I did not pray before doing this.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
Fortune tellers/Mediums
Years ago when my son’s friend was killed in an accident, his mother was desperate to find some comfort or explanation for his death. We both went to see a woman who used crystals. I knew as soon as I walked into the living room that there was something very dark about this person. When you are gripped with fear, it is not of God. I wanted to leave as soon as we arrived, but I was polite and stayed with my friend. I never went back and had to renounce ever being there. This is witchcraft! (Lev 19:31;20:6)
Remember fortune tellers and mediums get their dysfunctional gifts from the Enemy. Yes, they have knowledge and will use it to win you over. Their readings captivate young people who have no knowledge of God or those who have never been baptized.
New Age/Crystals
Calling on Mother Earth and believing that you yourself are a demigod open so many portals to the Enemy. Satan loves it when your free spirit is about you and takes advantage of the fact that you have no spiritual covering.
When I was in the hospital with COVID I had a dream that someone had placed different sized crystals around my body to cause me harm. In my weak state of mind I had to cry out to God to cancel any assignment the Enemy had to hinder my recovery.
Crystals are another means of opening the doors to demonic activity. Some people believe crystals have healing properties for physical and emotional benefits; they believe that they promote good energy to help rid our bodies and minds of negative energy. Do not get caught up in the snares of the Enemy! The world will try to convince you, but believe God instead!
My Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for giving me discernment on how to keep the doors closed to the Enemy. Lord, I pray for all who are dabbling into the occult by practicing any of these sinful behaviors. Father, open their eyes to Your truth, and deliver them from all evil. Amen.
