When you think of Satan what do you think of? Do you think of the pictures we so often see of a creature with horns and a pitchfork? What about when you think of temptation, and how Satan tempts us? Do you think it is through some kind of “In your face” method like taking over your body, as in a possession?

In this week’s edition of the National Catholic Register, there is an article about a recent meeting of exorcists. It seems there is an increase in the number of these being performed throughout the world. But in the article is this warning:

Both Father Barrajon and Father Truqui pointed out that although the devil causes the sensationalism of demonic possession, he is at work in much subtler ways. Possession attracts “lots of attention,” said Father Truqui, “but we should be aware of the more common ways the devil works, through tempting, deceiving, pushing people towards lies.” – National Catholic Register

When I think back to my own past, I know how the devil worked through me. Very slowly and methodically. He turned me to sin, convincing me it was okay, it was alright to do these little sins I was committing, I wasn’t hurting anyone. How wrong he was. I was hurting others in my life, I was hurting myself and most importantly I was hurting the Lord.

Here is a quote from C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” a book of letters written by a head devil to his nephew, helping him along on his way to being a really good devil.

“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one–the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts,…Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

How true this is!