“Relapse” is what frightens most when recovering from a vicious addiction. It sets back recovery. It takes persistent efforts to be successful. The evil of addiction should not be taken lightly. Similarly, our Lord Jesus says that evil oppression which may seem to have gone away will come back forcefully. It is not to say that evil will prevail. But rather it is a call to persevere in prayer and to have faith in God that what God does is far greater than any oppression of evil. The stories of evil rather than frightening us are challenging us to live holy lives as we have been delivered from evil by the death and resurrection of Christ. It calls us to witness to the power of God’s love. No evil can break or destroy God’s abiding and holy love for us. Today we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary established to celebrate the victory over the enemy forces in Europe. The Holy Rosary is another weapon against evil forces. Relapse in remaining holy is human. Holiness is hard but regret is harder.

Prayer: Abba Father, deliver us from the evil one. Amen.