How much of God's Word have you heard over the years at home, in church and school, through reading and teaching? How much of God's Word do you know and live? The difference in the answer to these two questions shows us how much the evil one has robbed us. Many of us have been exposed to God's Word for years but have little to show for it. The devil has literally robbed us blind. We don't even report it to the authorities or call for help. We merely resign ourselves to Satan daily robbing us of the Word of life.

God's Word tells us: "Submit to God; resist the devil and he will take flight" (Jas 4:7). We can despoil the robber and take back all that the devil has stolen (Lk 11:22). We will remember things from God's Word we haven't thought of for years. We will apply Scripture so as to be holy in every aspect of our lives (1 Pt 1:15). We do this by faith in Jesus Christ, expressed in prayer and obedience. Jesus knows how to prevent the devil's thievery. We only need to know that we need Jesus to "deliver us from the evil one'' (Mt 6:13). Jesus will not only sow the seed but guard it.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 22, 2017

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