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A month ago, I wrote to you about my experience leading the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil for the end of abortion in Sherbrooke, Qc.

In that letter, I shared how I had gained a new and greater awareness of the workings of the demonic, citing three instances.

I recently came across a reflection on the same theme though presenting it in a larger context.

Msgr. Charles Pope, a parish priest in the diocese of Washington, D.C., writes and publishes his reflections in a blog entitled Community in Mission: Creating a Culture of Encounter.  His November 15, 2021, article dealt with the universality of evil.

Here is an excerpt from: “Multitudes in the Valley of Decision! A Meditation on the Dramatic Battle in Which We Live":

A grave deficiency of modern times is the loss of the sense that our lives are caught up in a tremendous, epic battle. Yet here we are living in the midst of a great drama – in the greatest story every told.

At this point he introduces our adversary – Satan: “We are on the front lines of a fierce spiritual war, a war that is to blame for most of the casualties you see around you. Yes, fellow Christians, there is a dragon, a roaring lion – Satan – who seeks to devour our souls.”

This last passage describes my experience in Sherbrooke as it does my daily struggles, both inward and outward.

Yet, it isn't just me. Msgr. Pope's words say how you and all mankind are equally involved in this epic battle.

He then turns to our consolation:

Ah! But there is also a Son, a Savior, who is born to us and whom we call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (cf. Is 9:6) He shall reign forever. His hand is outstretched, first on the cross, but now outstretched to you to save you and to draw you up out of the raging waters, to deliver you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light!

The Washington cleric then asks: “Will you take hold of His hand, or not?”

This is the decision moment alluded to in the title of this reflection piece - “Multitudes in the Valley of Decision! ...”

And so, do we reach out? If not, what are we waiting for?

Returning to Msgr. Pope: “Yes, the battle rages all around us, and we are swept up in it! It’s happening in our world, our culture, our families, and in our hearts. The sequence hymn from Easter says dramatically of it, Mors et vita duello; conflixere Mirando (death and life at battle in a stupendous conflict).”

In this advent period, my prayers for you and your loved ones are that you grab hold firmly of Our Lord’s out-stretched hand, particularly when the battle rages around you.

Merry Christmas,

Brian Jenkins
Outreach Coordinator
Quebec Life Coalition

p.s. We are grateful to the many of you who support us financially. Together we form a coalition that is fostering the culture of life. During this season preparing us to receive the greatest of all gifts, the birth of Our Lord Jesus, we invite you to express your support again during our Advent Fundraising Campaign. Thank you!