DANGERS OF THE DARK SIDE

Composed by: Bro. Pio Benedict
 
October is a time when we hear of Halloween, witches, goblins, spirits and demons.  Things dark and scary.  A time in which these things take prominence in our society, in our media, brought to the forefront as some of our children, as well as adults, trick or treat or party in costumes depicting creatures from this realm.
 
But is it all a game? Are these things just fantasy? Hey, break out the Ouija board, tarot cards, how about a séance or maybe just recording some spirit voices (evp's [electronic voice phenomena]).  Yes, just fun, play, and games. Right?  What harm could it do?  It's only innocent fun.
 
WRONG!!
 
The spirit world exists and it is not a game.  When you delve into these matters you take the chance of opening doors that do not need to be opened.  The law of invitation applies here.  You are inviting unknown forces into your life; you are playing with fire and making yourself vulnerable.  In other words, all hell could break loose, literally.
 
The dark side exists.  The Creed states Jesus descended into hell, the Bible states the devil tried to tempt Jesus in the desert.  It also states Jesus sent demons into pigs who then were sent to their destruction. We pray to St. Michael to defend us from the wickedness and snares of the devil.  St Padre Pio is said to have been beaten by the devil regularly.  These are but a few of the many instances and writings depicting the DANGERS and reality of the dark side.  Let the doors remain closed.  Saint John Paul II, as Pope, ordered every diocese to have an exorcist.  Why?  He knew of the danger and the increasing instances of the devil and demons in our world.
 
A game it is not.  In the book "The Demologist, The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren" by Gerald Brittle, it states:  "the demonic spirit is a spiritual beast with the wisdom of the ages and the power of angels.  Your best bet is to avoid it, but you don't do that by denying the fact that the phenomenon exists.  Instead, you avoid it by knowing it's there—so you can stay out of its way!"
 
The dark side exists.  I have seen it.  I explored.  But thanks to my mentor, I came to realize that the danger of opening doors was real.  Stay in the light, seek the blessings of the Lord, and as St. Padre Pio states, "Pray, hope and don't worry."  And may God the Father bless us, God the Son heal us and God the Holy Spirit enlighten us.

Picture: Temptation of Christ by Ary Scheffer