save the children
"Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is terribly troubled by a demon." —Matthew 15:22
Jesus delivered many people from demons. Sometimes He delivered children from demons (Mt 15:22; Mk 9:17). This raises the question: How can innocent children who could not have grievously sinned or been knowingly involved in the occult be possessed or troubled by demons?
Children suffer innocently for the sins of their parents and the world. This suffering seems to include even harassment from the evil one. Sin can cause a child to be troubled by a demon, but not necessarily from the sins of the parents. Sins committed by any of us can result in the severest form of child abuse: exposing a child to demonic influence.
Why doesn't the Lord protect children from the effect of our sins? Why didn't He intervene and save the Holy Innocents martyred at Bethlehem? Why doesn't He spare the children victimized by abortion? The Lord allows us to accept the wages of our sins (Rm 6:23). He even lets us pass on a devastating inheritance to our children and to the children of the world (Ex 20:5). Our unrepented sins open the door for Satan to enter not only our lives, but also the lives of innocent children. Repent!
Prayer: In the name of Jesus, leave, Satan, never to return. Thank You, Jesus, for Your victory.
Promise: "Observe what is right, do what is just; for My salvation is about to come, My justice, about to be revealed." —Is 56:1
Praise: "May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You!" (Ps 67:6) You have triumphed over death and have given us "life from the dead!" (Rm 11:15)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002