Satan does not go away, he just finds other avenues to follow. Although the Black Mass scheduled in cooperation with a Harvard University student group was cancelled, that does not mean those who originally conjured the plans had a change of heart. Additionally, the publicity they received will no doubt cause others to explore these dark practices – perhaps this is what they wanted all along.
Since Saul first condoned the execution of Stephen, those who wish to carry forth the message of Christ are going to have to confront evil face to face. In our times, it is the sacraments themselves that are under attack. Why should we be surprised at a direct assault on the Eucharist as portrayed in the black rituals? We have witnessed the declining number of baptisms in the church, and we have watched the mockery of the sanctity of marriage. Albeit a small, but reprehensible representation of the clergy, the members of the church themselves have given in to evil and have defiled the gift of Holy Orders. The direct affront on the Holy Eucharist is not new, as the fount and pinnacle of Catholicism is on the front line to evil’s pursuits.
It was the witness of Stephen to his faith under his persecution that enabled Saul to hear the voice of Christ when he called. The way to confront evil is to be ever-vigilant and to witness the beauty that is our God; to celebrate more reverently the Holy Sacrifice of the Sacred Mass and then to do for others what God’s grace has done for us.
