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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
I heard that the devil harasses those who are dying	Anne	Friday, September 2, 2016
Question: I have read that the Anointing of the Sick helps the dying in their final combat with the devil. It's a little frightening to know that the devil harasses dying people sometimes, and I just wondered about this. I, for one, want nothing to do with the devil either now or when I am in my final hour. What form does this problem take? What are the temptations exactly?
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), CCL, LTh, DD, LNDC Dear Anne: Yes, the devil does harass some dying people. It is not a given, but some do experience this. St. Anthony of the Desert, St. Benedict, St. Dominic, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Anthony Claret, St. John Vianney, Blessed Padre Pio, and others warn about this. The Catechism states: 1520 A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, "if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:15). The bold emphasis in the Catechism quote is mine. It answers your question about what temptations may be for the dying. This is the reason that we ask for our Lady's intercession in the Rosary, "...at the hour of our death." The devil brings these temptations to our minds. But, always remember, we can resist the temptations. God promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13~ No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Yes, the Anointing of the Sick aids us in our final hours as CCC 1253 states, "...This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house." Praise God for his great mercy. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

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Posted By

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I heard that the devil harasses those who are dying

Anne

Friday, September 2, 2016

Question:

I have read that the Anointing of the Sick helps the dying in their final combat with the devil.

It's a little frightening to know that the devil harasses dying people sometimes, and I just wondered about this. I, for one, want nothing to do with the devil either now or when I am in my final hour. What form does this problem take? What are the temptations exactly?

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), CCL, LTh, DD, LNDC

Dear Anne:

Yes, the devil does harass some dying people. It is not a given, but some do experience this. St. Anthony of the Desert, St. Benedict, St. Dominic, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Anthony Claret, St. John Vianney, Blessed Padre Pio, and others warn about this. The Catechism states:

1520 A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, "if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:15).

The bold emphasis in the Catechism quote is mine. It answers your question about what temptations may be for the dying. This is the reason that we ask for our Lady's intercession in the Rosary, "...at the hour of our death."

The devil brings these temptations to our minds. But, always remember, we can resist the temptations. God promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13~

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Yes, the Anointing of the Sick aids us in our final hours as CCC 1253 states, "...This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house."

Praise God for his great mercy.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.