On
the Devil
For this same reason was it said by the
Lord, through the mouth of Job, concerning the devil: His
body is like molten shields, shut close up with scales pressing upon one
another. One is joined to another and they hold one another fast, and shall not
be separated (Job. xli. 6,
8). By these words He makes clear that the spirits of evil have, between them,
such harmony of purpose that in no way can they be separated one from another.
For by the body of the devil is understood the whole
array of the malignant spirits. And because of their strength these same malign
spirits are spoken of as molten shields, and they are
described as scales pressing upon one another, and
as, holding one another fast, and as being joined to one another,
because of this surpassing unity and concord which they possess in every kind
of malice and desire of evil-doing. Would indeed if it could be that this so
great unity and harmony might be broken, and the kingdom of evil be destroyed!
But
he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against shall be
brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan also be
divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that
through Beelzebub I cast out devils.
With a very clear illustration He confutes those who said that He was casting out devils by Beelzebub. For if it is as they say, then Beelzebub has wholly lost his power, his leadership, and his kingdom. For if the spirits of evil were waging war against each other, they would have had little or no power against man.
And when he is come, he findeth it empty (Matt. xii. 43)
Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there.
St. Bruno
Photo
taken from Wikimedia CommonsWith a very clear illustration He confutes those who said that He was casting out devils by Beelzebub. For if it is as they say, then Beelzebub has wholly lost his power, his leadership, and his kingdom. For if the spirits of evil were waging war against each other, they would have had little or no power against man.
And when he is come, he findeth it empty (Matt. xii. 43)
Empty, since he finds there no charity, nor true faith, nor humility, nor patience, nor justice, nor mercy, nor any of the other things with which the souls of the saints are furnished.
How does he find it? Swept and garnished: he finds it as he desires to find it.
He finds it swept cleanby evil brushes, and garnished with evil furnishings; evil brushes that sweep out the virtues, and leave the vices; evil brushes that scatter dust upon the floor, and do not sweep it out.
It is lust, fornication, pleasure, pride, avarice, discord, and all uncleanness, which are the furnishings of the devil. With these adornments he finds it garnished.
It is lust, fornication, pleasure, pride, avarice, discord, and all uncleanness, which are the furnishings of the devil. With these adornments he finds it garnished.
Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there.
St. Bruno
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