Breaking the Chains that Bind
In keeping with the information in the second writing in this series, you will begin to notice, as this series unfolds, that the images which will be linked to these writings will not focus on the evil spirits.
As Father Kane reflected in last week’s writing, these negative images have a way of working in our subconscious and can provoke feelings of fear, anxiety, restlessness and worry. This website is all about the common good. This common good is the truth of our God. This series, therefore, while seeking not to focus on evil, is being shared to witness to the fact that such evil exists – a thing many people in our world no longer believe – a serious danger.
In keeping with this positive focus, all the images you will see in the coming weeks are going to be a representation (as close as I can find one in human images!) of the forces of good – angels etc. – that I have seen that overcome the forces of evil. I will also include images that represent the truth of the spiritual climb out of sin and darkness and the powerful tools that we truly possess in this battle against Satan and the forces of evil. The knowledge that evil exists as an entity unto itself, that it is necessary to spiritually renounce this evil (sin and all Satan’s works) and that we have great power and tools to do this, are things that Satan wishes to prevent us from knowing.
We do best to simply renounce Satan and all his works. So, to that end, in the sharing of information, I will focus on the power of God and the help and protection that is available to all in the spiritual battle. This website is about empowering and encouraging all who visit it – not provoking fear, worry or anxiety. Jesus said it best when he said:
In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world.” John 16:33, Holy Bible, NRSV Catholic Edition, c. 1993
and:
I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:25-27, Holy Bible, NRSV Catholic Edition, c. 1993
And so I give you another example of my continuing walk in the spiritual battle, a battle common to us all:
Monday of Holy Week; March 26, 2002
I dreamt I returned to my house (real home) after a horrible day (I did have a horrible day in real life with regard to some incidents where I work at the gym – (n.b. this is a common, necessary ‘stripping’ which is done for our good as we climb higher on the spiritual path). I found in the dream, after being in the home for a while that it had been broken into again and that I was robbed. I was fearful that the perpetrator was still in the house so I went on a search. I noticed that everything on the upstairs floor was a mess. My jewelry boxes had been ransacked and my clothes I think. I also noticed though that nothing of value had been stolen (think about this for a minute – we often place so much emphasis on the surface, physical possessions and positions of our life, while neglecting the most important thing – our spiritual growth…) . I knew this because as I looked at all of my possessions I knew it wouldn’t bother me if any of it had been stolen. I could sense, however, an evil presence trying to get at me so I went back downstairs (the deeper levels of the subconscious) to try to find out what it was.
I tried to call 911 but was put on hold – I felt I had no-one to rely on and would have to help myself (this was true in that lay people, despite their best efforts, are not the best ones to direct souls on the spiritual journey unless they have experienced the climb themselves – even then, as this website seeks to be a companion or guidepost for your journey, there is no substitute for seeking competent spiritual help in the form of a priest, minister, spiritual director etc. to help you in the climb).
Next thing I know it is my deceased Grandmother talking to me on the phone – somehow describing to me what it is like to be dead and struggle to find yourself (she was speaking to someone else on the other end of the line and I could overhear them). I am surprised that I can hear her talking because I figure it is not something the average person can do. I’ m trying to explain to other people that I have this gift, but they’re not listening. My Grandmother says with surprise ‘She can hear me talking!’ and I say ‘Yes, I can hear you and I will work with this and keep listening to you’.
I hang up the phone to go help myself (made a call in real life to my spiritual director – Father Kane!). As I walk towards the door to exit my house I see an extensive set of knotted ropes all lined up (like fetters?) that the evil one is going to try to bind me, strap me and torture me with. I say ‘uh-oh, he’s got the ropes out again’ – as if I know he’s tortured me with them before.
I walk right past them and him (the evil presence) and head determinedly to the door. As I go to open the door a huge evil force tries to push me back and prevent me from leaving. I catch a glimpse into the outside and it is absolutely black and stormy and terrifying (this represents the unknown and brave steps of the spiritual climb out of the darkness of sin, fear and chaos that the evil one tries to keep us chained in). The evil force does not want me to have the strength and courage to exit even though the glimpse is scary.
I say something like ‘I’ve been here before and I’m going to walk through this to the light outside because I don’t want to be afraid of this anymore!’ As I keep walking it progressively gets lighter and lighter until it is sunny. I am proud that I had the strength and courage to do it. The evil presence has followed me, but I think he’s lost most of his power, because I turn to face him with one of my children in my arms (my most prized possessions) and I say:
I’m not interested in serving you – I want nothing to do with you (this is renouncing sin, Satan and all his works). I want to serve God!”
I am turned to face the presence quite strongly and I am standing firmly holding my child and I repeat myself a few times.
All of a sudden the unseen evil force turns into a wolf and leaps up to attack me at my throat, I think, as if he’s finally shown his true form and decides to just launch one final all out frontal, undisguised attack in fury at me. I stand firm holding my child as he jumps at me and I make some comment about how I think maybe this has been the way I’m supposed to have reacted (with courage). I want to try the new way (God’s way). I woke up in a cold sweat (who wouldn’t!) and a little concerned, so I invoked the protection of the Precious Blood over me and my family (prudent spiritual protection).
This dream represents a powerful psychic shift from the bondage and slavery to sin, to the health and light of choosing to walk in God’s way – the way of love. It is an uphill climb. It is difficult, but it is the best path in the end. It is one that, despite the pain and hardships, you will truly be overjoyed you had the courage to take. In fact, you will be aghast that you might not have made the step to walk this path as you get further along it. I think the following excerpt from the diary of St. Faustina, which I have quoted from before, illustrates this point very nicely:
One day, I saw two roads. One was broad, covered with sand and flowers, full of joy, music and all sorts of pleasures. People walked along it, dancing and enjoying themselves. They reached the end without realizing it. At the end of the road, there was a horrible precipice; that is, the abyss of hell. The souls fell blindly into it; as they walked, so they fell. And their number was so great it was impossible to count them. And I saw the other road, or rather, a path, for it was narrow and strewn with thorns and rocks and the people who walked along it had tears in their eyes, and all kinds of sufferings befell them. Some fell down upon the rocks, but stood up immediately and went on. At the end of the road there was a magnificent garden filled with all sorts of happiness, and all these souls entered there. At the very first instant, they forgot all their sufferings.” (Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. c.1993 Congregation of The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy (Diary, 153).
Father Kane recommends a classic book written about this journey called The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyon. By the name pilgrim we can see that it is about a sacred journey where problems ambush the traveller. This book sheds light on the struggle of walking the good way. According to Father Kane, it is full of insights and spiritual gems and is well worth the read.
Don’t be fooled. We are all walking on the road of our spiritual journey right now – here on earth. Which road will you choose?
Karen
The Deliverance Ne†work 