The teachings of our Catholic faith tell us that our spiritual journey is consistently challenged by three powerful adversaries. The first of these is the devil, a formidable, though unseen enemy.
The devil was once an angel of unparalleled splendor. Gifted with abilities far exceeding human capabilities, and living in joy, he was destined for a grand eternal reward. But before receiving this, he had to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to God.
However, the devil, once known as Lucifer, grew arrogant in his beauty and power. Convinced of his equality to the Almighty, he turned against his Creator. This rebellion caused a multitude of once-faithful angels to plummet into perpetual ruin alongside him. Their transgression was even graver than human sin, as they were blessed with greater intellect and free from the physical impulses that can lead humans astray. For this reason, God did not offer them a chance for remorse, but immediately condemned them to unending suffering in Hell. They are not restricted to one location but can roam the world with God’s permission, carrying their hell within themselves. They pose a constant risk to our eternal salvation in countless ways. The Gospel frequently refers to these demonic temptations and obsessions, with St. Peter cautioning us to stay vigilant against such threats. He warns, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:8)
The threats we face today are identical to those encountered by Jesus and His Apostles. We may not see this malevolent spirit, but we are aware of its presence. We must heed the wisdom of St. Augustine who described the devil as “a chained dog that barks but cannot bite unless we venture too close. So we must be vigilant and pray.”
The second adversary is the world itself. Surrounded by so many beautiful things that mirror God’s power and goodness, they should inspire us to love Him more deeply and serve as a spiritual bridge drawing us closer. But sadly, we often get lost amidst the transient allure of worldly things. Frequently, we invest our love in these fleeting pleasures, a love that should be reserved exclusively for God who alone can grant us peace and satisfaction. The glittering lure of wealth, pleasure, and honor can blind and entangle us, making us forget that all earthly things fade away. When we stand before God’s judgment seat, only our virtuous deeds will accompany us.
The most formidable adversary, however, dwells within us – our own body, which through sin, can revolt against the soul and God. “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh,” says St. Paul (Gal. 5:17). Despite reaching the zenith of sanctity, even St. Paul lamented the temptations of the flesh that tormented his soul as if they were Satan’s messengers (2 Cor. 12:7).
We, too, often grapple with such bodily urges, likely more intensely than St. Paul did. By remaining faithful, praying, and staying close to God Almighty, we can resist these urges. It’s perilous to lower our guard, as the flesh, with its harmful desires, will seize the opportunity to dominate the soul. Under the pretense of fulfilling our desires, it makes us miserable in this life and risks eternal damnation in the next.
Points to Consider:
- The Battle in the Boardroom: As Catholic men in the business world, the three adversaries – the devil, the world, and the flesh – often manifest in distinct ways. The devil can appear as the temptation to cut ethical corners for quicker success, or the seduction of power at the expense of integrity. We must remember St. Augustine’s warning: the devil can bark, but only bite if we venture too close. Therefore, maintaining moral fortitude and steadfastness in our faith forms the best defense against such temptations.
- The Lure of Material Success: The world’s allure is never more evident than in the corporate landscape, where the allure of wealth, prestige, and power is especially strong. As Catholic businessmen, we must anchor our hearts in the love of God and remember that material gains are transient. Our true value comes from our relationship with God and how we reflect His love in our interactions with others.
- Body vs. Spirit in Business: Our own bodies, or rather our earthly desires, can become an enemy when they pull us away from our spiritual path. It’s natural to desire success and financial security. However, when these desires supersede our ethical values or spiritual obligations, we risk losing sight of what truly matters. The discipline of faith, prayer, and maintaining a close relationship with God will empower us to resist these urges.
- Balancing Success and Sanctity: As Catholic men navigating the challenging terrain of business, remember that achieving success and maintaining sanctity are not mutually exclusive. By incorporating our Catholic values in our business practices, we can succeed in the marketplace without compromising our spiritual wellbeing. When faced with ethical dilemmas, take a moment to reflect, pray, and seek guidance from your faith. In the end, it is not our wealth or status that defines us, but our steadfastness in faith and our commitment to acting justly.
- Building Business on Faith: Finally, it’s crucial to remember that our faith is not just for Sunday Mass. It should permeate every aspect of our lives, including our work. As Catholic men in the business world, let’s commit to building our businesses on a solid foundation of faith, ensuring that our decisions, actions, and relationships reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church. By doing so, we’ll not only grow our businesses but also contribute to the creation of a more ethical, compassionate, and just world.