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Top 3 Characteristics of Cherubim Angels in the Bible

Cherubim angels are spirits of divine wisdom. They are one of the highest choirs of angels mentioned in the Bible. Cherubim are guardians and throne-bearers of God. The word “cherubim” is derived from Latin and means “the fullness of knowledge.”

#1 Characteristic About Cherubim

Cherubim are guardians of holy places and things.

Angel of God Watching Over the Church with light filled clouds and sky

Garden of Eden

He expelled the man, stationing the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword east of the garden of Eden, to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24

In the Book of Genesis, God sent cherubim to guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden to prevent the return of Adam and Eve into Eden, and for them to guard the tree of life. The flaming sword might have been used to instill fear in Adam and Eve and in anyone or anything else (e.g. demons) who tried to partake of the tree of life.

“God placed these powers, the Cherubim and the flailing sword of fire, to guard the way leading there. It was not without purpose that ‘flailing’ was added: the reason was to teach us that every way was barred to him since that sword was turning around and blocking every way leading there, sufficient to provide him with a reminder and fill him with constant fear.” + John Chrysostom

In a similar way, the apostle St. Paul reminds us in 1st Book of Corinthians to receive the Eucharist worthily (without defilement) during holy communion at Mass.

Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:27

Tabernacle of Moses

Make two cherubim of beaten gold for the two ends of the cover; Exodus 25:18

The tabernacle of Moses was God’s holy dwelling on earth during Mosaic times. It was built at the order of Moses with very specific instructions by God. Within the tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant. Two cherubim made of gold were to be built on the mercy seat, which served as a lid for the ark of the covenant. The cherubim were built facing each other with their wings spread out, forming a throne for God.

“Cherubim: probably in the form of human-headed winged lions.” Source: USCCB

Make one cherub at one end, and the other at the other end, of one piece with the cover, at each end. Exodus 25:19

The cherubim, who were made of hammered gold at the instruction of God, were there to stand guard before the Divine presence, and their wings served as covering for the mercy seat. The mercy seat was a rectangular slab made of pure gold.

The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, sheltering the cover with them; they shall face each other, with their faces looking toward the cover. Exodus 25:20

“The mercy seat was the place of God’s presence.” Source: CCC 433

Inner Sanctuary of Solomon’s Temple

In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, made of olive wood. 1 Kings 6:23

What is interesting to note about the cherubim in Solomons’ Temple is that they towered in size compared to the cherubim that were built on the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim were each ten cubits in height, or about 15 feet. For scale, the rim of a basketball goal is approximately 10 feet high from the playing surface.

The two cherubim were identical in size and shape. 1 Kings 6:25b

The cherubim were made of olive wood, and they were overlaid with gold. Their wings were outstretched, and they covered the Ark and the smaller cherubim. Their massive size was to provide reverence to the glory of God, and according to St. Bede, their wings signified that the cherubim were angels.

The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, the inner sanctuary of the house, the holy of holies, beneath the wings of the cherubim. The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark, sheltering the ark and its poles from above. 1 Kings 8:6-7

The cherubim were guardians of the Ark and of God’s divine presence. To delve deeper into the mystery of the cherubim, St. Bede said two cherubim were built because they signified the two testaments of the Bible. Their 10 cubits in length signified the 10 commandments, and their 5 cubits wingspan signified the 5 books of the Torah.

The cherubim, moreover, stretch out their wings as if to fly because angelic spirits always have their mind in readiness to comply with the Divine will. + St. Bede

The Mountain of God

Your commerce was full of lawlessness, and you sinned. Therefore, I banished you from the mountain of God; the cherub drove you out from among the fiery stones. Ezekiel 28:1

The prophet Ezekiel mocks the king of Tyre, who allowed himself to become inflated with pride from his wealth, power, and significance. He lost his dependence on God and even claimed himself to be a god. Thus, God drove him out (he was struck down).

Church Fathers like St. Augustine believed this passage may have also alluded to the devil’s fall from pride and him claiming that he was a god (Isa 14:12-15).

See these additional verses below for context. It seems plausible. And once again, the cherub angel is shown to be a powerful guardian of the divine presence of God.

With a cherub I placed you; I put you on the holy mountain of God, where you walked among fiery stones. Blameless were you in your ways from the day you were created, until evil was found in you. Your commerce was full of lawlessness, and you sinned. Therefore, I banished you from the mountain of God; the cherub drove you out from among the fiery stones. Ezekiel 28:14-16

#2 Characteristic About Cherubim

Cherubim are the throne-bearers of Almighty God.

Heavenly clouds with majestic blue sky the firmament

God Enthroned Upon the Cherubim

The LORD is king, the peoples tremble; He is enthroned on the cherubim, the earth quakes. Psalms 99:1

God of Heaven and Earth

Sacred writers in the Old Testament often describe God as sitting “enthroned upon the cherubim.” Let us consider the meaning of the word. When we speak of Christ, we speak of “The Anointed One.” That is what Christ means. When we speak of cherubim, we speak of “the fullness of knowledge,'” that is what the word cherubim means.

“Those who translate the Hebrew words in Scripture say that “cherubim” means in Latin “the fullness of knowledge.” + St. Augustine

“LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned on the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. It is you who made the heavens and the earth. Isaiah 37:16

The Wings of the Cherubim Form God’s Throne

The Lord’s throne on earth was the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was like a chest. The cherubim are angelic creatures combined with human-like and animal-like features (human head, lion’s body, eagle’s wings). The outstretched wings of the cherubim covered the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim serve as the Lord’s throne-bearers. Their wings formed the Lord’s throne above (on top of) the Ark of the Covenant.

Consider these scripture verses about God being enthroned upon the cherubim.

King Hezekiah’s Prayer

Hezekiah prayed in the LORD’s presence: “LORD, God of Israel, enthroned on the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. It is you who made the heavens and the earth. 2 Kings 19:15

The Ark of God the LORD

David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, of Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which was known by the name “LORD enthroned upon the cherubim.” 1 Chronicles 13:6

God Enthroned Upon the Cherubim in the Book of Psalms

Here are two verses that mention God being “enthroned upon the cherubim” in the Psalms. The glory of God shines forth, sending out beams of light. The cherubim help to signify the majesty, authority, and supremacy of God over all of creation.

O Shepherd of Israel, lend an ear, you who guide Joseph like a flock! Seated upon the cherubim, shine forth Psalms 80:2

The LORD is king, the peoples tremble; He is enthroned on the cherubim, the earth quakes. Psalms 99:1

Mercy Seat

Make two cherubim of beaten gold for the two ends of the cover; Exodus 25:18

According to St. Gregor y the Great, the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant prefigures the Lord God becoming man. The Ark of the Covenant was God’s sign of intimacy with His people, the Israelites. The mercy seat was a golden slab, or lid of the covenant. Within the Ark were the Ten Commandments of God written on two stone tablets, a golden jar of manna, and the rod of Aaron that has blossomed. The Ark was a wooden chest (3.75 ft x 1.5 ft) plated in gold that served as a footstool for God.

Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies, in which were the gold altar of incense the Ark of the Covenant entirely covered with gold. In it were the gold jar containing the manna, the staff of Aaron that had sprouted, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the place of expiation. Hebrews 9:3-5a

The two golden cherubim Moses had built that were placed on top of the Ark were facing each other. The cherubim formed a throne for God. They were part of the mercy seat. The mercy seat may have been a place of atonement for sins. The cherubim’s wings were extended towards each other. The Ark’s design was given to Moses at Mount Sinai by the command of God, and served a holy place for the Divine presence.

Exodus

Here are two readings from the Book of Exodus about the cherubim Moses had built on the cover (mercy seat) on the Ark of the Covenant, at God’s command.

Make one cherub at one end, and the other at the other end, of one piece with the cover, at each end. The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, sheltering the cover with them; they shall face each other, with their faces looking toward the cover. There I will meet you and there, from above the cover, between the two cherubim on the ark of the covenant, I will tell you all that I command you regarding the Israelites. Exodus 25:19-20; 22

Two cherubim of beaten gold were made for the two ends of the cover; One cherub was at one end, the other at the other end, made of one piece with the cover, at each end. The cherubim had their wings spread out above, sheltering the cover. They faced each other, with their faces looking toward the cover. Exodus 37:7-9

Samuel

These two verses from 1st and 2nd Samuel discuss significant moments of the Ark of the Covenant. In both verses, the Lord of hosts is enthroned upon the cherubim. The “Lord of hosts” is first mentioned at Shiloh. Shiloh is where the Ark of the Covenant was first kept, within the Tabernacle, and it served as a place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. The cherubim on the Ark were the heavenly throne-bearers for God.

The cherubim angels covered the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant.

So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, accompanied the ark of God. 1 Samuel 4:4

Then David and all the people who were with him set out for Baala of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which bears the name “the LORD of hosts enthroned above the cherubim.” 2 Samuel 6:2

#3 Characteristic About Cherubim

Cherubim are Spirits of Divine wisdom.

Cherubim’s Closeness to the Almighty God

It is interesting to note that in addition to their duties as guardians and throne-bearers, the cherubim are also known as spirits of Divine knowledge and wisdom.

“The sublime hosts are called Cherubim because they are filled with a knowledge which is most perfect since they are allowed to behold the glory of God most closely.” + St Gregory the Great

The cherubim angels are known to be filled with a vast amount of knowledge. It would seem this is because of their closeness to God who is the divine source of all knowledge. According to Fr. Chad Ripperger, the cherubim are known as “Lucentes” because they know many of the divine secrets of God in a preeminent way.

“Lucentes is a Latin word meaning shine, causing to shine, resplendent, or light.” Source: Dominion by Fr. Chad Ripperger

Notice the similarity between the sound of the wings of the cherubim and the voice of God Almighty speaking, which is the Word of God and the Wisdom of God.

The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court; it was like the voice of God Almighty speaking. Ezekiel 10:5

Ezekiel’s Visions: The Four Living Creatures

Each living creature had four faces: the first a cherub, the second a human being, the third a lion, the fourth an eagle. Ezekiel 10:14

The prophet Ezekiel has parallel visions of four living creatures in Chapter One and Chapter Ten of the Book of Ezekiel. Although the cherubim are not specifically named in Chapter One, they are mentioned by name in Chapter Ten. The face of a cherub in Ezekiel Chapter Ten replaces the face of an ox in Ezekiel Chapter One.

Ezekiel’s 1st Vision: Ezekiel Chapter One
Ezekiel’s 2nd Vision: Ezekiel Chapter Ten

Church Fathers such as St. Jerome believed the four living creatures are symbolic of the four Gospels: St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. The many eyes that are prevalent on the four living creatures are symbolic of their knowledge and vigilance.

The Walls of Solomon’s Temple

The walls of the house on all sides of both the inner and the outer rooms had carved figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. 1 Kings 6:29

It is a mystery of God that these mysterious four creatures the prophet Ezekiel identifies as cherubim in his visions are the same cherubim that adorned the walls of the Temple. St. Bede affirms the cherubim’s association with scripture and knowledge.

“Solomon makes cherubim in the temple walls when the Lord grants to his elect to guide their lives according to the rule of the holy Scriptures, which contain a great store of knowledge.” + St. Bede

Summary of Cherubim Bible Verses

Book	Cherub	Cherubim
Genesis		3:24
Exodus	25:19	25:18-22; 26:1; 26:31:
Exodus	37:8	36:8; 36:35; 37:7-9
Numbers		7:89
1 Samuel		4:4
2 Samuel	22:11	6:2; 22:11
1 Kings	6:24-26	6:23; 6:25; 6:27-29; 6:32; 6:35
1 Kings		7:29; 7:36; 8:6-7
2 Kings		19:15
1 Chronicles		13:6; 28:18
2 Chronicles	3:11-12	3:7; 3:10; 3:11-14; 5:7-8
Psalms	1 8:11	80:2; 99:1
Sirach		49:8
Isaiah		37:1 6
Ezekiel	9:3; 10:7; 10:9; 10:11; 10:14;	10:1-6; 10:8; 10:15-16; 10:18-20;
Ezekiel	28:14; 28:16;41:18	11:22
Daniel		3:5 5
Hebrews		9:5

More About Angels

Seraphim Angels

Principalities Angels

St. Michael the Archangel

Crystal blue water in a mountain lake with mountains towering over the landscape in the distance

7 Powerful Sacramentals of the Church for Spiritual Warfare

Sacramentals, Spiritual Warfare

The Catholic Church offers us sacramentals that help us receive actual graces from God and keep our families delivered from evil. There are many sacramentals of the Church, but there are only seven that I consider to be the most powerful for spiritual warfare.

What is a Sacramental?

Sacramentals are sacred signs that help us to receive God’s grace, and they dispose us to cooperate with God’s grace (Source: CCC 1670). Sacramentals were instituted by the Church, while the seven sacraments of the Church (baptism, Eucharist, confession, etc.) were instituted by Christ. The sacramentals of the Church help lead us to Christ.

“We must remember that of themselves sacramentals have no power. They only have power through the prayer of the Church which uses the authority given it by Christ.” Source: My Catholic Faith

1. Rosary

His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5

When Our Lady is Present the Devil is Absent

The Blessed Mother’s rosary is one of the top sacramentals of the Catholic Church for spiritual warfare. When you pray the rosary, you are placing yourself under the Blessed Mother’s mantle for God’s protection from the devil and diabolic influences.

“The rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight, to preserve the integrity of life, to acquire virtue more easily, and in a word to attain real peace.” – Pope Pius XI

The Weapons of the Rosary in Spiritual Warfare

The Rosary as a Spiritual Sword

Fr. Donald Calloway, a contemporary champion of the rosary, gives great conferences about the rosary and explains why this sacramental is a sword in spiritual warfare.

The forces of darkness in the world today threaten the very foundations of human civilization, but they are no match for the power of the rosary.” – Fr. Donald Calloway

The Rosary as a Spiritual Battering Ram

The rosary is the angelic psalter. If you pray the rosary devoutly, it is a weapon like a spiritual battering ram that will help to bring down vices and sins in your life.

“Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?…I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the battering ram has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation stone of the New Testament.” + Our Lady to St. Dominic

The Rosary Helps to Increase Sanctifying Grace

An important thing to know about Catholic spiritual warfare is what I like to call, “resurrection protection.” If you pray the Blessed Virgin Mary’s rosary devoutly it will allow Our Lady to help increase God’s sanctifying grace in your soul, and you have to have sanctifying grace in order to be judged worthy of eternal life with God.

Those who find me find life and win favor from God. Proverbs 8:35

Consider the 15 promises of the rosary according to the Blessed Virgin Mary for life long protection for you, your family, and most importantly, at the hour of our death.

“Hail Mary! Full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of the womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

Battle for Our Lady Praying the Rosary

Our Lady of Fatima made it clear to the Church in her appearances to the 3 child visionaries she wants disciples of her Son praying the rosary, devoutly, every day. The only thing more powerful than praying the rosary is praying the rosary in unity with other disciples of Christ. Consider what Jesus teaches us in St. Matthew’s Gospel:

Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Hold your rosary in your hand and feel the spiritual power with it, strengthened through the intercession of the Church. Hear the beads emit sounds of holiness. If you would like to join ranks with other disciples in the Church praying the rosary in spiritual warfare, please consider joining Our Lady’s Rosary Confraternity.

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

2. Crucifix

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

“Fr. Weber (exorcist) points out that most exorcists use the St. Benedict medal crucifix during the exorcism, and it was recommended to him in his training that he do so as well.” + Charles Fraune, Author of the book, Slaying Dragons, What Exorcists See and What We Should Know

The Crucifix Reminds the Demons of Their Fall

One of the reasons why the demons are repelled at the sight of a holy crucifix such as the Benedictine crucifix pictured above is because the crucifix reminds them of their fall from grace. The demons rejected God, and they are eternally separated Him.

A crucifix torments the demons because it reminds them of their defeat by Jesus’ death on the Cross. + Fr. Jose Fortea

The Crucifix Provides Protection in the Home

The holy crucifix should be a focal point in the home of every Catholic family. As a best practice for spiritual protection from the diabolic, a blessed crucifix should be placed in every room of the house to help keep any roaming demons out of the home.

“If you wonder how God tries to prevent you from the yawning jaws of hell, look at the crucifix!” + St. Thomas Aquinas

Prayers Before A Holy Crucifix Helps Protect Us

Aside from establishing right order in your home by allowing the presence of Christ to reign there with His protective love and mercy, you also want to place the crucifix in a place where the whole family can stand or kneel before it in prayer and reverence.

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6b-7

When Christ reigns King in your home, the demon is repelled.

“The true meaning of Christ’s kingship is revealed only when He is raised high on the cross.” Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #440

Another reason to have this powerful sacramental in every Catholic home is because the presence of Christ and His saving work on the cross in the home will help to combat the inclination to sin, whether it be in thought, word, or deed.

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. Matthew 26:41a

Lastly, the crucifix will help to establish gratitude in our hearts to God for Christ’s saving work on the cross. His very presence reminds us of what is at stake: salvation.

“The first words we must pronounce looking at the crucifix are ‘Thank You Jesus!’ + Fr. Gabriele Amorth, exorcist (2016+)

3. Holy Water

After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him. Matthew 3:16

The Many Benefits of Using Holy Water

Holy water helps to keep us protected from demons. When holy water has been rightly blessed by a priest, it serves as a powerful sacramental in the Church’s fight against the dark forces of evil. Consider the reassuring words of St. Teresa of Avila.

“From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the cross, but return; so holy water must have great value. For my own part, whenever I take it, my soul feels a particular and most notable consolation.” + St. Teresa of Avila

In addition, holy water can help us to receive actual graces from God, receive assistance from the Holy Spirit, overcome temptations, and help us to sleep in peace.

“Nightly I sprinkle my room with holy water and invoke the Virgin and St. Michael. And I sleep, just as I go throughout the day, with the rosary in my hands.” + Msgr. Stephen Rossetti

Use Holy Water to Bless the Family and Home

Catholic Families should routinely bless their houses with holy water. The father of the household should also bless his family in the evenings with holy water after the family has prayed together. Lastly, schedule a priest to make a visit to your home on an annual basis and have him bless the house in the traditional rite of blessing.

301. Q. What is holy water? A. Holy water is water blessed by the priest with solemn prayer to beg God’s blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers of darkness. Source: Baltimore Catechism

4. St. Benedict Medals

Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? Job 1:10a

2 St. Benedict Medals Blessed in the Old Rite

Pictured above are two of my St. Benedict medals. You can get either type. You can also get them token size, which are about the same size as a quarter. A Catholic priest should bless the medals, and they should be blessed (exorcized) in the old rite.

Perimeter of Protection with St. Benedict Medals

Exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger recommends the use of exorcized St. Benedict medals as a means of providing spiritual protection in the family home. St. Benedict is the patron saint of exorcists. The level of sanctity in his life was well known to repel the demonic.

The medal – The medal of St. Benedict contains a number of holy Latin inscriptions that will “drive the demons nuts” as Fr. Ripperger says. Some of these inscriptions noted helps explain why the medal is such a powerful sacramental against evil:

CSSML – NDSMD – This is abbreviated Latin which translates to, “May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!”
VRSNSMV – SMQLIVB – “Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!”
CSPB – “The Cross of our holy father Benedict”

Here are Fr. Ripperger’s two primary recommendations with St. Benedict medals:

Bury the St. Benedict medals in the four corners of the property.
Place the St. Benedict medals over the entry points of the home.

You can learn more about Fr. Ripperger’s recommendations for spiritual protection from demons in his book about spiritual warfare, Dominion. Fr. has also given a number of spiritual warfare conferences to help Catholics combat the demonic.

Fortify Spiritual Protection Within the Home

You can also place the blessed medals in the four corners of the house and in the four corners of each bedroom, which is great idea for spiritual protection as we are more vulnerable to the presence of evil spirits while we are asleep.

Other Uses with St. Benedict Medals

On the Go – You can place St. Benedict medals in your luggage, your briefcase, carry bag, backpack, your wallet, purse, etc. Similarly, parents can place blessed St. Benedict medals in their children’s backpacks to help keep them safe.

Vehicles – You can also keep a St. Benedict medal in your vehicle to help keep you and any passengers safe from harm. The medal should also help to keep your vehicle safe.

Home or Office – You can place the medals in your workspace, in your home office, or anywhere you think the medals may be of benefit for you and your family.

Near Technology – If your are experiencing unexplained interference with any of your devices, computers, appliances, etc. place a St. Benedict medal next to it.

A key sacramental for spiritual warfare is the St. Benedict medal. Make sure you get the medal blessed in the old rite. The old rite has all of the exorcisms. – Fr. Chad Ripperger

Miraculous Medal

St. Catherine Laboure’s Miraculous Medal can be used to provide the same level of spiritual protection as the St. Benedict Medal. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a champion of this medal and probably gave away thousands of them during her life. You can learn more about the miraculous medal here: Miraculous Medal.

5. Exorcized Oil and Salt

Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.” Mark 9:50b

I combined the sacramentals of exorcized oil and salt because they are similar, and they are often sold together at Catholic gift shops that sell exorcized sacramentals.

Exorcized Salt

Elisha went out to the spring and threw salt into it, saying, “Thus says the LORD: I have purified this water. Never again shall death or sterility come from it.” 2 Kings 2:21

Exorcized Salt – Provides a great deal of protection from evil spirits if they have been properly blessed and are used with faith. Legendary exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth said you have to have faith when using sacramentals in spiritual warfare.

It is important that the faithful know how to use the sacramentals correctly. It makes no sense to keep large quantities of blessed water, salt, and blessed oil if one does not have faith. – Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Uses of Exorcized Salt

Here are 5 ways exorcized salt can be used in spiritual warfare:

Church – First and foremost, exorcized salt is often used in Church ministry such at baptisms, the reconsecration of an altar, during the blessing of holy water and in the ministry of exorcism for people afflicted with diabolic influences.
Home – You can sprinkle the salt alongside the walls, in the four corners of the house and rooms to help seal those places off from demons.
Cooking – You can use the exorcized salt in cooking. I have heard Fr. Ripperger say this would be a good idea for families with teenagers. An example would be sprinkling the blessed salt on a salad. I have also read where priests can go to Catholic schools and exorcize all of the salt in the school’s cafeteria.
Miscellaneous – The use of exorcized salt can be used in a variety of other ways. Like holy water, you can sprinkle the blessed salt just about anywhere you consider there to be a disturbance, whether it be at home, in the car, etc.
Testimony – Whenever I feel like I need a spiritual boost, I will consume a small amount of exorcized salt and drink some water with it. I do this with faith in Christ, and it has yet to fail me from feeling a sense of God’s protection with it.

Exorcized Oil

They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:13

Exorcized Oil – This might be one of the most underrated sacramentals of the Catholic Church. There are two primary types of holy oil used by the Catholic Church:

#1 Chrism Oil – This is oil that is consecrated each year at the Chrism Mass near Easter, and it is used by bishops and priests during baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and consecrations. Chrism oil is set apart by the Church for the sacraments and is used by priests for other sacramental purposes such as the anointing of the sick.

#2 Exorcized Oil – This is olive oil that has been exorcized and is ready for use either by the clergy or the laity. The clergy can use the oil in the deliverance ministry. The laity can use the oil to help keep their families protected from diabolical influences.

Uses of Exorcized Oil

Forehead – This may be the best use of exorcized oil. You can take a dab of the oil and make the sign of the cross on your forehead for protection, especially before sleeping.

Exorcized oil is good for people who suffer a lot from dreams…they can make the sign of the cross on their forehead with it, and it can help cut down on the dreams they are having that seem to be diabolic in nature – Fr. Chad Ripperger

Parents, particularly the father, can use the oil and bless their children every day, making the sign of the cross on their foreheads and reciting a prayer:

“The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Numbers 6:24-26

House – Exorcized oil can be used to help seal family homes off from demons. Demons have to follow the natural law on some level; thus, they may try to enter through the normal entry points of the house. The doors and any entry points of the house should be blessed with holy oil by making the sign of the cross with it.

The father, who has been given spiritual authority by God through the natural law over his family, should bless the entry points of the house with holy oil routinely.

Here is a testimonial of an exorcist blessing a room with exorcized sacramentals:

“I blessed and exorcized the room using holy water. I also sprinkled exorcized salt in the corners on the floor. Then I took exorcized oil and made a sign of the cross on the door, windows, and lintels.” + Msgr. Stephen Rossetti

You can read Msgr. Rossetti’s post about the blessing of the room here:

Exorcist Diary #149: Demons Repulsed by Blessed Homes

Cooking: Exorcized olive oil can be used in cooking along with exorcized salt, but they should both be used with reverence as they are holy sacramentals of the Church.

Testimonial: I use exorcized oil in my own spiritual warfare. I recently purchased vial of exorcized oil that had been touched by a first class relic of St. Padre Pio. The first night I unsealed it and used it, I spiritually experienced a profound sense of peace, and there was a presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s protection with the sacramental.

“God’s creature, oil, I cast out the demon from you by God the Father almighty, who made heaven and earth and sea, and all that they contain. Let the adversary’s power, the devil’s legions, and all Satan’s attacks and machinations be dispelled and driven afar from this creature, oil. Let it bring health in body and mind to all who use it.” + From the Roman Ritual’s Blessing of Oil

6. Brown Scapular

Now I am sending to you Elijah the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day. Malachi 3:23

2 Blessed Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with exorcized bell of Our Lady

Pictured above are two of my blessed Carmelite brown scapulars. I generally wear the same scapular every day, and I wear the alternate scapular during workouts.

Origins of the Carmelite Scapular

The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a man named Simon Stock, a Carmelite monk who was in despair at the time, and handed him the first scapular in 1251 A.D.

“Receive, my beloved son, this habit of thy Order. This shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire.” + Our Lady to St. Simon Stock

What is a Scapular?

The word scapular is derived from the Latin word “scapulae” which is translated as “shoulders” in English. Thus, the scapular is to be worn around the shoulders. One side is on the chest while the other side is on the back. The scapular is made up of two squares of brown wool, usually with a Marian symbol on one of the squares.

Testimonial About the Brown Scapular

I purchased my scapular from the Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts. I was enrolled in the Brown Scapular Confraternity at a Carmelite Monastery on the feast day of our Lady of Mt. Carmel (July 16). I also attended the Mass presided by a bishop.

By God’s grace the bishop blessed me and my scapulars with his apostolic blessing after the Mass. Driving home, I saw a rainbow in the sky. It was the first time in my entire life I have ever seen the end of a rainbow. I will always believe it was miraculous.

Here is the pic of the rainbow. I had no idea at the time I would be driving next to it.

I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:13

Rainbow in clouds and light rain on feast day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Wearing a Scapular Provides Spiritual Protection

There is something mysterious about Carmelite spirituality that is highly effective in Catholic Spiritual Warfare. Wearing a blessed scapular provides spiritual protection.

“Demons particularly hate the Brown Scapular…the Scapular is very important because it provides a level of protection.” – Fr. Chad Ripperger Source: OSMM

Fr. Ripperger has mentioned that every time a demon of impurity manifested in one of his sessions, the first thing he tried to do was get the scapular off and throw it. Fr. said he would command the demon to put the scapular back on reverently.

Another point to be made about the scapular is that they are not to be taken off. The act of wearing the scapular day and night serves as a reminder of who we are, what we believe in, and how we should live our lives as disciples in obedience to Christ.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15

7. St. Michael Statue

Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. Revelation 12:7-8

Invite St. Michael to Defend the Family at Home

Every Catholic family should make good use of a blessed St. Michael the Archangel statue in their home. The blessed statue should be placed in a prominent location within the home, and it certainly would be a good idea to recite the St. Michael the Archangel prayer in the presence of St. Michael’s statue on a daily basis.

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

You want to allow St. Michael in your family home to help keep you and your family protected. Fr. Ripperger and the Liber Christo team have stated that angels will go where they are invited, while demons will go where they are not resisted.

All the people begged the Lord with lamentations and tears to send a good angel to save Israel. 2 Maccabees 11:6b

I am convinced the St. Michael statues is one of the most powerful sacramentals in spiritual warfare. You can read my testimonial about my miraculous spiritual encounter I had with my blessed St. Michael statue here: Archangels.

Auxilium Christianorum and St. Michael

To provide further proof of the power of this sacramental in spiritual warfare, please consider the requirement for members of the Auxilium Christianorum (a spiritual warfare association founded by exorcists) to obtain a blessed statue:

“When it is financially possible, each member of the Auxilium Christianorum is to keep statues of Our Lady and St. Michael in his home, before which a votive candle is to be burned.” Source: Auxilium Christianorum Membership Requirement #9

I’m not able to keep a votive candle perpetually lit as suggested by Fr. Ripperger, but I do keep a lamp next to the statue and other blessed sacramentals on my chest of drawers such as a statue of Our Lady, a blessed crucifix, holy water, etc. When I am home, I keep the light turned on next to my sacramentals until I go to bed.

When you are yoked to Christ, you can obtain His peace within you, despite the spiritual warfare, simply by living a holy, Catholic life and making use of these powerful sacramentals the Church offers to help keep us delivered from evil.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen” + From the Lord’s Prayer

3 Lessons Learned About Lystra From the New Testament

New Testament

The city of Lystra is mentioned six times in the New Testament. Lystra was a city in Lycaonia that was inhabited mostly by Gentiles. St. Paul the Apostle visited Lystra. What lessons can we learn from his missionary journey there? We will review in this post.

Overview of Lystra

Description	Lystra
Location	Asia Minor
Country	Lycaonia (Galatian Province)
Today’s location	South Central Turkey
Inhabitants	Gentiles (mostly Romans)
Visited by Apostles	St. Paul and St. Barnabas
Hometown	St. Timothy (also see Derbe)
Nearby Cities	Iconium, Derbe

An Icon of the Apostle Paul

The apostle Paul played an instrumental role in evangelizing the community in Lystra about the Christian faith. He nearly died for his efforts there. Paul, Barnabas, and other companions such as Timothy and Silas proclaimed the good news of the gospel to the communities in Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe in the region of Lycaonia.

Lystra in the Book of Acts

This is the first verse in the Bible that mentions the city of Lystra. Paul and Barnabas fled there to seek refuge from the persecution they experienced in Iconium.

Paul and Barnabas fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to proclaim the good news. Acts 14:6b-7

Paul and Barnabas Visit Lystra

Lystra was one of several communities that Paul made visits to during his missionary travels. St. Paul is known as the Apostle of the Gentiles. Paul and other apostles such as Barnabas visited these communities and preached the good news of the gospel to the people there. Lystra was significant because it did not have a synagogue.

Gentiles in Lystra Worshiped Greek Gods

Most of the people of who lived in Lystra worshipped Greek gods and goddesses.

When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they cried out in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in human form.” Acts 14:11

A well known exorcist, Fr. Gabriele Amorth, pointed out that when people do not have faith in God, they often seek consolation in superstition and the occult.

When faith disappears, one abandons himself to superstition and occultism. – Fr. Gabriel Amorth

3 Lessons Learned About Lystra

As with anything in the Bible, you can better learn about God and focus on the things of God when you read and consider the various events that occurred in the Bible. In this instance, we will consider what happed at Lystra when St. Paul visited there.

Lystra Lesson #1

St. Paul healed a crippled man at Lystra.

Outside field in the country with sky and clouds

Paul called out in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.” The crippled man jumped up and began to walk about. Acts 14:10

The Power of the Holy Spirit Flows Through Paul

This is the first healing miracle of St. Paul in his ministry to the Gentiles. Paul went on to perform other healing miracles, including an exorcism of a demon in Philippi. Paul also raised a young man named Eutychus from the dead while he was in Troas.

Here is a summary of the miracle performed by St. Paul:

A Crippled Man Needed Help

There was a lame man in Lystra who had never been able to walk before.

At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth, who had never walked. Acts 14:8

Paul Saw That the Man Had Faith in God

Despite being disabled since birth, it did not stop the crippled man from having faith in God that he could be healed. The crippled man’s faith was similar to that of the woman with a hemorrhage who touched the tassel on Jesus’ cloak to be healed.

He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him, saw that he had the faith to be healed, Acts 14:9

The Crippled Man is Miraculously Healed By Paul

And Paul called out in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.” He jumped up and began to walk about. Acts 14:10

The Power of the Holy Spirit

When the power of Holy Spirit heals someone in the Bible, there is generally an indication the person healed has been fully restored to health.

It is noticeable in this passage with the crippled man jumping up and walking about.

According to St. John Chrysostom, the man was completely healed from being born lame, and the miracle was witnessed by the people in Lystra.

It was a proof of his perfect cure, the leaping. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men. – St. John Chrysostom

Lystra Lesson #2

Paul proclaimed Good News to the people.

Light from sunrise in the country side with clouds

We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, ‘who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.’ Acts 14:15b

Paul and Barnabas Proclaim the Gospel

It should be first noted Paul and Barnabas were visibly upset that the people of Lystra thought they were gods. After witnessing the healing miracle Paul performed with the crippled man, the crowd thought Paul was Hermes (because he speaks) and Barnabas was Zeus. Paul and Barnabas tear their garments in protest.

The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments when they heard this. Act 14:14a

Paul emphasizes to people in the crowd that they are ordinary human beings that serve the true and living God who created heaven and earth and all of the natural beauty experienced in God’s creation such as a spectacular sunrise or a gentle breeze.

Paul Explains God Allowed Them to Be Pagans

It is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament that God will allow people to follow their own ways. In the book of Psalms, it says he lets His people live in the hardness of their own hearts. Paul also discusses in the first chapter of Romans how God handed people over to their own undiscerning minds and passions.

In past generations He allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways; Acts 14:16

Paul Preaches About a Merciful and Loving God

Also in the first chapter of Romans, Paul discusses how humanity can see the work of God in the beauty of creation, with the sky and the heavens, and with nature on earth.

Yet, in bestowing His goodness, He did not leave Himself without witness, for He gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts. Acts 14:17

God Is a Merciful God to the Bad and the Good

Paul explains to the crowd the mercy they have received from God. Jesus Himself teaches what Paul preaches to them about the goodness of God in the Gospel.

The Father makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45b

Lystra Lesson #3

Paul was persecuted for proclaiming the Gospel.

Some Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. Acts 14:19

Paul Was Stoned and Dragged Out of the City

Just minutes before they were going to declare Paul a god by offering a sacrifice to their gods. The arriving people from Iconium who incited the crowd were most likely the same ones who rejected Paul’s teaching there where Paul was also persecuted.

Paul Rose Up and Continued the Mission for God

Paul did not allow the persecution he experienced from the incited crowd to stop him from continuing his mission to proclaim the gospel in the territory of Lycaonia.

But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and entered the city. On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. Acts 14:20

Paul May Have Nearly Died From the Stoning

If you read this passage about Lystra in Acts (Acts 14:8 – 20), you will notice there is a lot of activity and detail that is not provided but has been given for us to consider.

An example would be did the disciples pray for Paul before he rose? How bad were Paul’s wounds? Was Paul unconscious, dead, or was he just acting like he was dead?

Paul may have had a vision of heaven while having a near death experience there.

I know someone in Christ who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows), was caught up to the third heaven. 2 Corinthians 12:2

Paul Experienced Persecution Similar to Christ

It possible that Paul may have even died from the stoning, but the prayers of the disciples that were gathered around him brought him back to life!

The Greek word anistēmi is the word used to describe Paul rising back up and continuing on with the mission to the nearby city of Derbe.

Anistēmi is the same word Christ used to describe Himself of being persecuted and rising from the dead to His disciples in St. Matthew’s Gospel.

“ And He will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:19b

More About Lystra

The Apostle Timothy Was a Resident of Lystra

Paul reached (also) Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. Acts 16:1

Timothy was a resident of Lystra area. He may also have been from Derbe. Timothy was a fellow disciple of Jesus Christ, and he was a loyal companion of Paul. Timothy was liked by fellow believers in the Lystra community and also nearby Iconium.

The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. Acts 16:2

Paul was much older than Timothy, and he treated him with love and respect. Paul even mentions Timothy’s mother by name, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, in 2 Timothy. Timothy made several missionary travels with Paul.

As they traveled from city to city, they handed on to the people for observance the decisions reached by the apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem. Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number. Acts 16:4-5

Timothy’s Family in the Lystra Community

Timothy’s father, who was a Greek, may have been from Lystra. It unknown if he converted to the faith. Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were probably also from Lystra or Derbe. It is most likely they converted to the faith by Paul and became Christians. Paul speaks highly of both Eunice and Lois for their faith.

I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you. 2 Timothy 1:4-5

Summary of Lystra Verses

There are six verses that mention Lystra in the New Testament. Five verses are from Acts of the Apostles and one verse is from St. Paul’s Letter, 2 Timothy.

Reference	Verse
Paul and Barnabas visit Lystra.	Acts 14:6
Paul miraculously heals a crippled man.	Acts 14:8
Paul and Barnabas proclaim and make disciples.	Acts 14:21
Paul meets Timothy in Lystra and Derbe area.	Acts 16:1
Timothy is well liked by other disciples.	Acts 16:2
Paul teaches Timothy by example.	2 Timothy 3:11

Lycaonia and Surrounding Cities

Open countryside with sky, clouds and a small community in the distance.

Lycaonia

Paul and Barnabas fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside Acts 14:6b

Lystra was located in the territory of Lycaonia. Lycaonia was in central Asia Minor in the Roman province of Galatia. In addition to Lystra, Lycaonia had other nearby communities within its territory such as Iconium and Derbe.

Paul visited the communities of Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding countryside there along with the apostle Barnabas. Gaius, who was disciple that traveled with Paul on some of his missionary journeys, was from Lycaonia, as was the apostle Timothy.

One interesting thing to note about Lycaonia is that they spoke in their own dialect.

Summary of Lycaonia Verses

There are just two verses that mention Lycaonia in the New Testament.

Reference	Verse
Lystra and Derbe are located in Lycaonia	Acts 14:6
The crowd reacts to Paul healing the crippled man	Acts 14:11

Iconium

In Iconium Paul and Barnabas entered the Jewish synagogue together and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks came to believe. Acts 14:1

Iconium may have been 20 – 30 miles from Lystra. Iconium is mentioned 6 times in the New Testament. Paul visited Iconium on his first missionary journey. There he preached in a Jewish synagogue and proclaimed the Gospel of Christ.

Despite experiencing persecution, Paul won the hearts of both Jews and Gentiles to the Christin faith. Paul returned to Iconium during his missionary travels.

Summary of Iconium Verses

Reference	Verse
Paul and Barnabas leave Antioch of Pisidia for Iconium	Acts 13:51
Paul and Barnabas help people in Iconium to believe	Acts 14:1
Jews from Iconium incite the crowd to stone Paul in Lystra	Acts 14:19
Paul and companions return to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch	Acts 14:21
Disciples of Christ in Iconium speak highly of Timothy	Acts 16:2
Paul endures persecutions in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra	2 Tim 3:11

Derbe

On the following day Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe. Acts 14:20b

Derbe was also a city in Lycaonia. Derbe was about 20 miles from Lystra. Luke does not mention in the Acts of the Apostles Paul suffering any persecution there.

The disciple Gaius was from Derbe. Paul and Barnabas made a number disciples there. Paul visited the disciples who lived in Derbe on at least two occasions.

Summary of Derbe Verses

Reference	Verse
Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe from Iconium	Acts 14:6
Persecuted, Paul and Barnabas leave Lystra for Derbe	Acts 14:20
The apostle Timothy was from the Lystra and Derbe area	Acts 16:1
Gaius, a disciple of Christ and a companion of Paul, was from Derbe	Acts 20:4

Concluding Thoughts

There is much to be learned about Christian discipleship when we study the Bible. The more we learn, the better we can become the people God calls us to be in Christ. In this post, we learned how Paul and Barnabas traveled to Lystra and converted souls.

Paul’s Miracle in Lystra

Paul healed a crippled man.
The people wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.
The pagan priest wanted to offer a sacrifice to his god Zeus for them.

And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice. Acts 14:13

Paul does all he can to talk the priest and the people out of doing any idolatry.

Paul Preaches to the People in Lystra

Paul, who by God’s grace was a profound influencer, proclaims the Gospel.
Paul explains to them the way of God and the mercy of God.
Paul and Barnabas made disciples there through their efforts.

We proclaim to you good news…Acts 14:15b

Paul is Persecuted for His Faith

Paul’s message was also rejected by a number of people in Iconium and Lystra.
People that rejected Paul’s message in Iconium stirred up the crowd in Lystra.
The crowd, who had wanted to worship Paul as a god, ended up stoning him.
Paul was dragged out the city, but with the help of the disciples, Paul returned.

Paul and Barnabas Return to Lystra

Even after the dreadful stoning Paul received from the angered crowd in Lystra, Paul did not abandon his mission. Revived from the help and prayers of other disciples, Paul went back into the city and stayed there before leaving for Derbe.

On the following day Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe. Acts 14:20b

Paul and Barnabas return to Lystra a second time. Paul returned to the same community of people who had almost killed him with stones! They also returned to Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia where they had also endured persecution.

Here is a summary of what the apostles Paul and Barnabas did when returned to Lystra. In many ways the Church has continued this process throughout the centuries.

They strengthened the spirits of the new disciples there.
They instructed the disciples to persevere in the faith.
They explained that suffering for Jesus is part of discipleship.
They ordained the elders to lead the newly founded churches.

“We see from this text, 1st, that the saints Paul and Barnabas were bishops, having authority to confer holy orders: 2^nd, that there was even then a difference between bishops and priests, though the name in the primitive Church was often used indifferently; 3^rd, that fasting and praying were constant preparatives for holy orders.” Source: George Leo Haydock

3 Timeless St. Charbel Quotes for a Better Life

Faith, Spiritual Warfare

St. Charbel Makhlouf (1828-1898) was a Maronite monk from Lebanon who lived a life of sanctity. His powerful intercession is attributed to numerous miracles validated by the Church. St. Charbel lived a holy life for God. In addition to his many miracles, St. Charbel left behind words of wisdom to help us along our journey in life towards God.

#1 Timeless Quote of St. Charbel

“The things that go on within you are more important than those that take place in your life.”

Beloved, I urge you…keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11

St. Charbel’s Spiritual Warfare

St. Charbel, a wise hermit monk, much like the desert Church Fathers before him, knew that in spiritual warfare it is the interior life that is under siege. Light combats the darkness. The spirit battles against the world’s temptations and allurements.

Much like St. Raphael the Archangel in the Book of Tobit, St. Charbel goes on to say that sin leaves us with nothing in our life but anxiety, unhappiness, and emptiness.

Those who commit sin and do evil are their own worst enemies. Tobit 12:10

Seek First the Kingdom of God

Christ taught us in the Gospel to first seek God within us before we give way to all the things taking place in the world around us. If you want to live a better life in the eyes of God, give God the first fruits of your life, your day, and your love.

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33a

#2 Timeless Quote of St. Charbel

“You exist in this world to give and to serve.”

Christ was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Matthew 17:2

The Holy Light of Christ

When Christ was transfigured before his 3 chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John, the holy light of His deity illuminated before them with a dazzling radiance.

The Light of St. Charbel’s Tomb

When St. Charbel died and was laid to rest in a tomb, mysterious lights began to shine from the tomb to the astonishment of those who witnessed it. Was the Lord giving testimony to the saint’s holiness, charity, and detachment from this world?

Your Light Must Shine Before Others

If you live your life for God, giving and serving as Christ did, your light will shine too! You will be living a better life. You will be living the life God has planned for you.

Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

#3 Timeless Quote of St. Charbel

“Begin nothing on earth unless it has its end in heaven; do not walk on a path that does not lead to heaven. “

What does the LORD, your God, ask of you but to fear the LORD, your God, to follow in all His ways, to love and serve the LORD, your God, with your whole heart and with your whole being. Deuteronomy 10:12

Life is Moving By Fast

The thing to keep in mind about life is that it is moving by a lot faster than you think.

Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong; Most of them are toil and sorrow; they pass quickly, and we are gone. Psalms 90:10

Follow Jesus Today

There is no guarantee that we will even live to see tomorrow. That is why monks often wear black. It serves as a reminder that God can take us at any time. Follow Christ like St. Charbel did. Stay with Him. Follow Jesus in your life with charity and in holiness.

It is written, “Be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

St. Charbel wisely understood that we never know when our last day will be.

Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:13

About St. Charbel

This video gives great testimony to the life, holiness, and miracles of St. Charbel.

Patron Saint

St. Charbel is the patron saint of those who suffer in body and soul. We all suffer in life. If you are in need of a prayer or a miracle in your life, this is the saint that can assist you with his powerful intercession. It almost feels as if all the sacrifices St. Charbel made while he was alive he offered it up for us souls in need of Christ’s mercy.

Feast Day

The feast day of St. Charbel is July 24 on the Roman Calendar. On the Maronite Calendar, the feast day of St. Charbel is always the third Sunday of July.

Miracles

St. Charbel is a miracle saint and a wonder worker for God. It is possible that there are as many miracles attributed to St. Charbel’s powerful intercession than any saint that ever walked the earth throughout the history of the Church. That is amazing! If you would like to hear testimonials of healings, here is a great resource: St. Charbel.

Novena Prayer

If you need a miracle to overcome sickness, affliction, or any adversity in your life, try praying a pray a 9 day novena prayer to St. Charbel: St. Charbel Novena Prayer.

St. Charbel Prophecy

Like Sister Lucia of Fatima, St. Charbel gave prophecy that the devil seeks to destroy the family. Exorcists have said that the demons will go after the father of the family. The father is the bishop of the domestic church, the family home. Parents must be faithful to God and the Church to provide their family spiritual protection.

St. Charbel Book

If you are intrigued with this miracle working saint and monk, I recommend reading the book Love is a Radiant Light, the Life & Words of St. Charbel by Hanna Skandar.

Recap

St. Charbel was a holy saint. His life of asceticism and humble devotion to God exalted him to a level of sainthood with the great miraculous saints such as St. Padre Pio.

You might not be called to life of extreme asceticism like St. Charbel, but you might live your best life yet if you follow his words of wisdom in your discipleship, and follow Christ in the Word every day. Try reading a chapter from the Bible every day.

If you remain in my Word, you will truly be my disciples John 8:31b

If you liked St. Charbel’s words of wisdom, here are a few more to consider. St. Charbel’s wisdom and powerful intercession can help you live your best life yet.

St. Charbel, pray for us. Pray for the Church. Amen.

Grace Before and After Meals: 2 Catholic Prayers

Faith

Many Catholic families say grace before and after meals, and they do this for good reason: the prayers gives praise and thanks to God, the prayer blesses the food with a seal of protection, and reciting the prayers before and after meals is an act of faith pleasing to God.

Grace Before Meals Catholic Prayer

When we say grace before meals, it is an acceptable and pleasing way of giving thanks to God in prayer for the gift of food He has given us. All good things come from God.

+ Bless us, O Lord! and these Thy Gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Grace Before Meals Catholic Prayer PDF

Grace After Meals Catholic Prayer

It is also beneficial to say a prayer of thanks to God for the food He has nourished us with after our meals. A prayer of thanksgiving after meals dates all the way back to the time of Moses. And like the healed leper who came back to give thanks to Jesus for his restored health, we return to the Lord our God, giving thanks for His blessings.

Grace After Meals Catholic Prayer PDF

+ We give Thee Thanks for all Thy benefits. O Almighty God, who lives and reigns forever; and may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grace

Here are 3 common questions and answers about grace for better understanding.

What Does the Word Grace Mean?

The word grace (Latin gratia ; Greek charis) means a gratuitous and unmerited gift we receive from God without doing anything to receive it on our own. Grace is of a supernatural origin in that it flows freely from God out of His goodness and compassion for us and also for the sake of our eternal salvation.

“The Holy Ghost dwells in the Church as the source of its life, and sanctifies souls through the gift of grace.” Source: My Catholic Faith

What is the Grace Before Meals Prayer?

The Catholic grace before meals prayer is an invocation prayer. In thanksgiving, we call upon God and give Him recognition and praise for all of the gifts He freely bestows on us out of His goodness and love for us. The prayer also acknowledges our dependence on God for everything, including life essentials such as food and water.

“Therefore, let us not be ungrateful for God’s kindness. For if He were to reward us according to our works, we would cease to be.” – St. Ignatius

Where Did the Grace Before Meals Prayer Originate?

The prayer is known to have its origins from the Gelasian Sacramentary, which is a liturgical book that dates back to the 8^th century and contains various prayers and rites such as the blessing of the Easter font, the dedication of churches, and the liturgy for the priest’s part in the celebration of the Eucharist at holy sacrifice of the Mass.

Blessing of Meals in the Old Testament

Moses Mandates a Blessing After Meals

Moses, under the authority of God, commanded the faithful of Israel to give thanks to God for all gifts He has given them for being righteous and devout. This included giving a prayer of thanks to God for the meals they have eaten and enjoyed.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, you must bless the LORD, your God, for the good land He has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10

Blessing of Meals in the New Testament

Overview of Jesus Blessing Meals in the Gospels

Reference	Description	Verse
Feeding the Crowds	Jesus said the blessing, broke the loaves…	Mt 14:19
Feeding the Crowds	Looking up to heaven, He said the blessing…	Mk 6:41
Feeding the Crowds	Jesus said the blessing over the loaves….	Lk 9:16
Feeding the Crowds	Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks…	Jn 6:11
The Last Supper	Jesus took bread, said the blessing…	Mt 26:26
The Last Supper	Jesus took bread, said the blessing…	Mk 14:22
The Last Supper	Jesus took the bread, said the blessing…	Lk 22:19
Table at Emmaus	Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it…	Lk 24:30

Jesus Blesses Five Loaves and Two Fish

Jesus said a blessing over the loaves of bread in all four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). This blessing is symbolic of the blessing of the Eucharist, the body of Christ Catholics receive at Mass when the bread is consecrated by the priest at the altar.

Jesus ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. Matthew 14:19

This verse of Jesus blessing the loaves reflects the practice of giving thanks to God before meals. Saying grace before meals is a good way to express our gratitude to God for the blessings He has given us in life, including the food we are about to receive.

The grace before meals prayer also helps us to reflect on the holy sacrament of the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our Catholic faith.

“Christ blessed and broke the loaves: From this let Christians learn to give thanks at their meals, begging of God that His gifts may be sanctified for their use.” Source: George Leo Haydock

God Sanctifies Our Food With a Blessing Before Meals

It says in the book of Genesis that when God created things (plants, animals, etc.) He saw that they were good. When we invoke God’s name in prayer, saying grace before meals, we seal the food we eat with God’s blessing and protection upon it.

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5

“No creature of God is unclean…if it had become so, you have a remedy, seal it, give thanks, and glorify God, and all the uncleanness passes away.” – St. John Chrysostom

Don’t Give Up: Be Thankful to God for All of Your Blessings

In these difficult times we live in, we should say grace before and after meals, giving thanks to God, whether it is at a family style dinner or with just a sandwich in solitude.

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Grace Before Meals in the Catechism

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. Ephesians 1:3

“The Catechism contains the essential and fundamental content of the Catholic faith in a complete and summary way. It presents what Catholics throughout the world believe in common.” Source: USCCB

Overview of Grace Before Meals and After Meals in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Reference	Description	Catechism #
Sacramentals	Sacramental blessings (meals etc.)/ praises God…	1671
Daily Prayers	Church proposes…a rhythm of praying (meals)…	2698
Daily Bread	Food / is a gift from God ( grace at meals)…	2834

Sacramentals

According to the catechism, every baptized Catholic is called by God to be a blessing in this life for others and to bless. Thus, when we say grace before and after meals, we make the sign of the cross, we invoke the name of Jesus, and we praise God for the good things He has given us, including our meals.

Daily Prayers

The Church has given us certain prayers to be included in our daily life: morning prayers, evening prayers, grace before and after meals, the praying of the Angelus, etc. These prayers help us to establish a holy rhythm in our day, and they help to keep us living in right order with the Most High God.

Daily Bread

The catechism states that the food we eat and enjoy is a gift from God. The work we do and resources we use to acquire the food are also gifts from God. It is good to give thanks to God for our daily bread just as Jesus did in the Gospel.

Saying Grace in Spiritual Warfare

…Take some food; it will help you survive. Not a hair of the head of anyone of you will be lost.” When Paul said this, he took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat. They were all encouraged and took some food themselves. Acts 27:34-36

Baptismal Spiritual Authority

The Catholic faithful uses baptismal authority to say grace before meals, invoking the name of Jesus Christ. Not only do we do this to give thanks to God, but the prayer also helps to seal our meals with God’s blessing of protection before we eat our food.

The Father’s Spiritual Authority

I asked Catholic spiritual warfare expert, Dr. Dan Schneider, about the role of the father of the family in regards to saying grace. Please see his commentary below:

“Like St. Paul, who said I bend the knee father through them all blessings flow. So the blessing begins with the head of household. As spiritual head, the father should lead all family public prayer, including grace.” – Dr. Dan Schneider

Dr. Schneider is referencing St. Paul’s verse from Ephesians:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. Ephesians 3:14-15

Blessing of Meals Provides Spiritual Protection

The blessings and prayers before meals can contribute to spiritual protection of the family. Blessing the meal can be seen as invoking God’s protection over the food and for those who partake of it, especially if the father leads the family in prayer.

The Lord gives bread to all flesh, for his mercy endures forever. Psalms 136:25

Giving Thanks After Meals Honors God

While there is no specific verse for the blessing of meals in the Old Testament, Moses gave a command to the Israelites to give thanks to God after their meals (Dt 8:10).

Giving thanks to God after meals should help to provide Catholic families a greater degree of God’s blessing and protection, both in this life and at the judgment.

Recall the words of Christ in St. Luke’s Gospel when He cleansed the ten lepers.

Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then Jesus said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. Luke 17:18-19

Concluding Thoughts

Grace before meals and after meals are two beloved Catholic prayers we can pray to the Lord every day throughout our lives. In faith, we receive His grace, and in devout faithfulness to God, we pray also that we may be worthy of eternal life.

“…And may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”

Jesus Walks on Water: 3 Lessons Learned

Gospels

The miracle of Jesus walking on water in the presence of His disciples is one of the most popular miracles he performed during his public ministry. The miracle account is mentioned in 3 of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and John. Why did Jesus do this, and what did the miracle signify? We will consider the amazing miracle in this post.

Overview of Jesus Walking on Water

Reference	Description
Occurence	After the Miracle Feeding of 5,000 people
When	Fourth watch of the night (3:00 am – 6:00 am)
Where	Sea of Galilee
Original Destination	Bethsaida (St. Mark)
Actual Destination	Gennesaret (Mt 14:34; Mk 6:54)
Actual Destination	Capernaum (Jn 6:24)
Old Testament Symbolism	Burning Bush (Divine Identity “I AM”)
Old Testament Symbolism	Treading of the Sea (God’s sovereignty)
Prayer	Importance of private prayer
God	Theophany of God (manifestation)
Identity	Divine identity of Jesus (Son of God)
Authority	Authority of Jesus over Nature
Symbolism	Boat is symbolic of the Church
Peter	Peter walked on water but sank due to lack of faith
Winds	Storm is symbolic of temptation and persecution
Faith Lesson	Faith in Jesus during the storms of life

#1 Lesson About Jesus Walking on Water

Jesus is Lord of Authority over creation.

During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came towards His disciples, walking on the sea. Matthew 14:25

Jesus Treads the Waves of the Sea

One way that Jesus shows He is the the Lord of the natural order of the known universe is by this miracle in the gospel of Him walking on the water during the darkest watch of the night (3:00 am – 6:00 am). In this way, Jesus shows His disciples that neither darkness, nor storms, nor seas can conquer Him.

He alone stretches out the heavens and treads upon the back of the sea. Job 9:8

Christ is Lord of the Heavens

The Triune God and His infinite wisdom has existed long before the beginning of creation of the known universe. Christ existed before the earth was even made.

In the heights of heaven I dwelt, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud. Sirach 24:4

Christ is Lord of the Earth

It says in the Book of Genesis that the Spirit of God hovered over the waters of the seas. The Spirit of God and His authority establishes order over the seas and land.

Over waves of the sea, over all the land…I held sway. Sirach 24:6

The Disciples Declare Jesus is the Son of God

The disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the sea. They witnessed Him saving Peter from drowning, and they witnessed the storm calm as soon as He got in the boat. They conclude from His authority, power, and wisdom on display that Jesus is the Son of God. When we have faith in Jesus, the storms in our life will calm with His mercy.

“I shall remember how Saint Peter at a blast of wind began to sink because of his lack of faith, and I shall do as he did: call upon Christ and pray to him for help. And then I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas hold me up from drowning.” – St. Thomas More

#2 Lesson About Jesus Walking on Water

Jesus declares His Divinity to His disciples.

They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Mark 6:50

The Veiled Divinity of Jesus Christ

In the Gospel of St. Matthew and St. Mark, the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost walking on the sea towards them, and they were utterly terrified. Jesus gave them assurance that it was He and for them not to be afraid. Specifically, Jesus says:

“Ego Eimi”

Ego Eimi is Greek for “I am.” In this way, Jesus reveals to His disciples His divinity. What is also interesting about this is it is the same words that were spoken to Moses at the burning bush in the book of Exodus. God explains further to Moses that “I Am” is His name forever, for all generations. Think about this when we pray the Glory Be prayer:

The Glory Be Prayer

“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, Is now, And ever shall be, World without end. Amen.”

“God is the fullness of Being and of every perfection, without origin and without end. All creatures receive all that they are and have from Him; but He alone is His very being, and He is of Himself everything that He is.” Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #213

Divinity of Jesus Declared in the Three Gospels

There are four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they are similar. The Gospel of John is more unique, but St. John discusses Jesus walking on water, and he also affirms: Ego Eimi.

All three “Jesus walks on water” passages affirm Jesus as saying, “It is I,” (Ego Eimi).

At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27

They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Mark 6:50

But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” John 6:20

#3 Lesson About Jesus Walking on Water

The miracle validates the divine identity of Jesus.

A Bible with a coffee near sparkling water.

He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. Mark 6:51

The Divinity of Jesus Revealed in His Miracles

As is if seeing Jesus walking on water in stormy seas in the night’s darkest hour was not enough to startle the disciples struggling in the storm, Jesus also allows Peter to walk on the water (although Peter began to sink because of his lack of faith), Jesus saved Peter from drowning, and the storm calmed as soon as Jesus got in the boat.

After they got in the boat, the wind died down. Matthew 14:32

The Boat is Symbolic of the Church

The Bible is filled with symbolism that is to be pondered and contemplated. An example from this passage is the symbolism of the boat. The boat is symbolic of the Church. Just as Christ’s disciples experienced stormy seas in the boat, so also has the Church for over 2,000 years experienced stormy seas and struggling. Stay with Her.

“In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.” – St. Boniface

More About Jesus Walking on Water

Jesus saving Peter from sinking and drowning

Here is a table that help provides a synopsis of the scripture passage from the three Gospels about the miracle of Jesus walking on water, Matthew, Mark, and John. All of the readings about Jesus walking on water happen immediately after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 with the loaves which is symbolic of the holy Eucharist.

Description	Gospel Verses
Disciples get in the boat	Mt 14:22, M k 6:45, Jn 6:16-17
Jesus goes up mountain and prays	Mt 14:23, Mk 6:45, Jn 6:15
The boat tossed by storm’s waves	Mt 14:24, Mk 6:47-49, Jn 6:18
Jesus walks on water	Mt 14:25-26, Mk 6:49, Jn 6:19
Jesus tells disciples “It is I“	Mt 14:27, Mk 6:50, Jn 6:20
Peter’s faith is tested	Mt 14:28-31
Jesus saves Peter	Mt 14:28-31
Jesus gets in the boat	Mt 14:32, Mk 6:51, Jn 6:21
Jesus calms the storm	Mt 14:32, Mk 6:51, Jn 6:21
The disciples react to Jesus	Mt. 14:33, Mk 6:52
Jesus and disciples arrive at the shore	Mt 14:34, Mk 6:53, Jn 6:21

Our Lord, victor over sin and death, finding no man free from sin, came to free us all.” + St. Leo the Great