Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The devil and his angels often manifest in the presence of the Lord. Jesus, the Holy One of God, came to establish His Kingdom among us. The evil one is still the “prince of this world” (Jn. 14:30), but Jesus Christ has full authority over him and all unclean spirits. We should not be surprised that the devil was present in the synagogue on the sabbath in today’s Gospel. Even though demons have access to inhabit sacred places, Jesus exercises His power and authority in divine worship in His Word and in the Sacrament of His Body and Blood.
The victory which Jesus won on the Cross must be accessed by faith in Him. The devil and all of the demons still roam about the world seeking whom they may devour, but Our Lord uses them to test men. Jesus teaches with authority and is Himself our worship and salvation. The evil one hates God and His followers and will tempt us to stay away from worship of God. The way to conquer the evil one is by our faith and worship of the Anointed One, Jesus Christ.
Come to Holy Mass every Sunday in order to conquer the evil one. Jesus Christ is truly present in His Word and His most holy Body and Blood. Without the graces available at Holy Mass we cannot be victorious over our enemy. Through Jesus, with Jesus, and in Jesus we are more than conquerors through Him who has loved us (Rom. 8:37).
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 