quarternotes

Tonight, we sponsored a special advanced screening of the film, "The Rite" starring Academy Award winner, Anthony Hopkins, distributed by Warner Brothers. As expected, the "other one"... the "enemy" wanted to sabotage everything.

We had a short program before the film: prayer and opening remark by Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ a raffle draw and a short talk by Fr. Jocis Syquia. Everything was fine, though a little rough on the edges, but fine. Little did we know that while the film was playing, the enemy made his presence known. At first I thought the audio softened because of a certain dramatic slow motion of a scene... but I was wrong. The following sequence had poor audio; same levels with the previous scene. My mind started to panic when the people were already clapping their hands. And then, the film stopped. It took a lot of rewinds here and there but they couldn't bring it back to where the audio started to fail. In short, it was a disaster.

What I learned from this is that the devil just won't quit... and he just won't win either. When things were out of hand, people were leaving their seats for restroom breaks or to buy food, etc. But I was most dishearten when one girl walking out of her seat with her friends said, "I know it's for a good cause, but this isn't entertaining at all." I guess the enemy got his wish. I prayed for that girl because her reaction was exactly what the enemy wanted to hear; that kind of reaction and everything similar. At that moment, I really prayed, "In the name of Jesus Christ."

I remember when I was still active in YFC and while I was growing up, I have witnessed the works of the enemy. Yes, my dear friends, I believe in the devil... and I believe that God has power over the devil. Every time HIS teachings and miracles are promoted, it is expected that the enemy will do just about everything to prevent it. I have witnessed it so many times in so many ways. He is strong. But our God is strong... in fact, HE is the strongest.

I just pray for everyone who's faith became stronger after watching "The Rite" because most probably a challenge awaits you to go to the other side.