Even before we were able to make any decision for or against, we find ourselves immersed in a world of need, suffering and sin.  We encounter such "darkness" not only at the place where we have denied the claim of God's love, but where we are encountered again and again by a "power" we have not grasped, but which cannot be overlooked (cf. experiencing the power of darkness.).  What we call this is of secondary importance.  It is, however, crucial that we reckon with its existence in order to identify it and deal with it properly.  Concentrated power develops there where we do not take its existence seriously.  On the other hand it can be experienced as something readily defeated if we deal with it soberly, without allowing ourselves to be either spell bound or fascinated by it.

Therefore, this week deals with the question of how can we recognize the power of darkness in the light of the Bible and deal with it in the right way.

The power of darkness is not only a danger for our spiritual life.  This threat also endangers our psychic and physical health as well.  Therefore, when a person experiences something of God's healing power in his/her spiritual life, the genuine healing of physical and mental suffering often appears as an "extra".  We know this from charismatic groups and we have also experienced this again and again in the meditation courses.  Whoever takes up the battle against the "tempter" never does this for themselves alone, but vicariously also for others.  The monks went into the desert to take on the battle there fully aware of being "representatives".