"Finally, the Devil showed Christ all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said: All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. All Christ had to do in return was to worship the donor instead of God -- which, of course, he could not do. How interesting, though, that power should be at the Devil's disposal, and only attainable through an understanding with him! Many have thought otherwise, and sought power in the belief that by its exercise they could lead men to brotherhood and happiness and peace, invariably with disastrous consequences. Always in the end the bargain with the Devil has to be fulfilled -- as any Stalin or Napoleon or Cromwell must testify. I am the light of the world, Christ said; power belongs to darkness." ~Malcolm Muggeridge
Ave Maria! Along with being the cunning father of lies, the devil is also the nefarious prince of darkness. The above image comes to mind. It is from that haunting scene "Night on Bald Mountain" in the Walt Disney movie "Fantasia." Go here to check it out in all its gruesomeness. Viewing it in full screen will likely chill your soul. It's not a pretty picture. The devil and his works never are, though the glamor of evil can initially fascinate us. We will ultimately be seduced, however, unless we turn to the true light, Jesus Christ, who told us that he came "as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness" (John 12:46).
And it is this light, Christ Himself, who alone can and will overcome the darkness and defeat the devil. At the close of the above scene from Fantasia, the death knell tolls, much to the horror of Satan and his minions. His end is near as the dawn from on high rises through the tender mercy of our God (Luke 1:78). The message is loud and clear:
"The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light" (Romans 13:12).
Today and always, let us proclaim the praises of Him who has made us His own and called us out of darkness into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:10)
Dear Lord Jesus,
I beg for the grace to turn to You
and to walk in Your light,
that I may always follow
and love You alone.
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