When the Homily is about Immunology

Hardcore advice from Unseen Warfare

If you feel attracted by someone’s beauty, bring to your mind the thought that under this attractive exterior hides the serpent of hell, ready to slay you, or at least wound you, and say to it: ‘Accursed serpent! It is you who stand here like a thief, seeking to devour me! Vain effort, for God is my helper!’ Then, turning to God, say: ‘Blessed art Thou, my God, Who hath revealed to us our secret enemies and “hath not given us as a prey to their teeth”(Ps. Cxxiv. 6).’ Thereupon take refuge in the wounds of Him, Who was crucified for us, dedicating yourself to them and thinking how much our Lord suffered in His holy flesh, to free you from sin and instill in you a disgust of carnal lusts.

I remind you of one more weapon to repel the seduction of physical beauty, namely: when you fall into it, hasten to sink your mind deep into the thought of what this creature, so attractive to you now, will become after death? Stinking putrefaction filled with worms.

When you are walking somewhere, think at each step that every stride takes you nearer the grave. Seeing birds flying in the air, or rivers with swiftly flowing waters, reflect that your life flies still faster, hastening towards its end.