Why getting an intensified spiritual attack or mockery of Catholic teaching?

An intensified spiritual attack or mockery, within Catholic teaching, is often understood as a manifestation of demonic activity aimed at undermining an individual's faith, leading them away from God, or causing despair. This can involve various tactics, from subtle temptations to overt harassment, and is rooted in the belief that fallen angels, or demons, actively seek to destroy souls.

The Catholic Church teaches that spiritual attacks are a real phenomenon, as outlined in Ephesians 6:12, which states, "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens". Demons, once angels, retain their supernatural powers and intelligence, using them to exploit human weaknesses and tempt individuals toward sin. They are relentless in their efforts to separate people from God.

One reason for an intensified spiritual attack can be an individual's commitment to their faith and their efforts to draw closer to God. Saints, such as Padre Pio, experienced profound and persistent diabolical attacks precisely because of their deep spiritual lives and their dedication to Christ. Padre Pio's writings reveal that the devil's aim is to "snatch me from the arms of Jesus" and to isolate individuals from God. This suggests that the more one strives for holiness, the more intense the opposition from evil forces may become.

Another factor contributing to intensified attacks can be dabbling in the occult or New Age practices. Exorcists consistently warn against involvement in such activities, as they can open doors to demonic influence. Practices like witchcraft, Satanism, or even seemingly innocuous New Age trends like crystals or horoscopes, are seen as forms of deception that can lead individuals away from God and potentially expose them to malevolent spiritual entities. The Harvard Black Mass event, for instance, was highlighted as a pinnacle of occult activity that could dangerously expose participants to evil forces.

Mockery, specifically, can be a tactic used by evil spirits to instill doubt, despair, and a sense of rejection from God. Padre Pio himself experienced temptations that God had "rejected [him] for ever". This form of attack aims to undermine an individual's self-worth and their belief in God's love and mercy. The devil also uses mockery to discredit the sacred, as seen in black masses that parody the Catholic Mass and desecrate the Eucharist. This is not merely an act of disrespect but a recognition of the Eucharist's spiritual power and an attempt to mock God directly.

The Catholic response to such attacks emphasizes reliance on God's grace, prayer, the sacraments, and the guidance of spiritual directors. Perseverance in prayer, resisting temptations, and remaining faithful to one's obligations to God are crucial for overcoming these spiritual battles. The Church also provides remedies such as blessings, devotions, and holy water to combat evil.

Historically, anti-Catholicism itself can be seen as a form of societal mockery and persecution, often fueled by theological disagreements, political motivations, and xenophobia. From the Protestant Reformation's identification of the Papacy with the Antichrist to the anti-clerical movements in various countries, the Catholic Church and its adherents have faced significant hostility. While not directly a "spiritual attack" in the same personal sense as experienced by individuals like Padre Pio, these historical movements reflect a broader societal opposition and sometimes violent persecution against the Catholic faith.

In summary, intensified spiritual attacks or mockery, within Catholic teaching, are understood as deliberate actions by demonic forces to:

• Isolate individuals from God and undermine their faith.

• Exploit human weaknesses and lead to sin.

• Instill despair and a sense of rejection from God.

• Discredit and mock sacred Catholic practices and beliefs.

These attacks are often intensified when individuals strive for holiness or when they engage in practices that open them up to demonic influence.