Holy Week

Satan and his cronies seem to have a habit of intensifying their temptations when relief is closest. C.S. Lewis said as much in one portion of the Screwtape Letters. One can appreciate the strategy; when Good is closest to triumphing over evil, the "powers" that be move into panic mode.

I can feel the same happening to me. Now that we're in Holy Week (and now that I've finally Confessed and Received) temptation is perceptibly stronger and more persistent. This has also been a very beneficial Lent for me, which is probably another factor at play.

Yet in the past few days I notice myself really looking forward to breaking my fast and chowing down on heart-clogging quantities of meat and related goodies. That's noticeably odd, since fasting has thus far been a very rewarding, and even joyous experience (as I've written many times, I'm not at all of the school that teaches Lent is in any way gloomy or non-festive in spirit).

So what to do? Well, as was announced at the end of every episode of G.I. Joe, knowing is half the battle. Even moreso, in this case. Satan is at his strongest when we forget about him; he is at his weakest when we can hear him sneaking up behind us.

I can hear the ambush. There's no way I can fight back on my own. It's a good thing I have the Cross and Sacraments as my sword and shield.

Remember: the Apostles once failed to cast out a demon because they neglected to pray and fast.