The question of why the devil seems to have any sway over souls has puzzled many, from children to adults. Saints like St. Alphonsus Liguori use vivid imagery to warn the faithful, describing Satan as “rejoicing” when souls fall into sin. At first glance, this can be unsettling: how could the ultimate enemy of God possibly “gloat” over human souls?
The answer lies in free will, the nature of evil, and the pastoral wisdom of the saints. The Church teaches that Satan does not have authority over anyone—he can only tempt. Souls “lost” are so because they freely choose separation from God. Understanding this brings both clarity and comfort.
St. Alphonsus Liguori on the Devil
St. Alphonsus (1696–1787), a Doctor of the Church, often wrote about the devil in dramatic, cautionary terms. In his work The Great Means of Salvation and of Perfection, he warns that the devil delights in the fall of souls. But this delight is symbolic of human vulnerability, not a demonstration of real power over free will.
He emphasizes:
“The devil can tempt and deceive, but he cannot force the will. Only God holds true authority over the soul.”
His words are meant to awaken vigilance, urging the faithful to rely on prayer, confession, and God’s grace to resist temptation.
The Church’s Teaching on Souls and the Devil
- Free Will is Key – Every soul has the God-given freedom to accept or reject God’s love. Satan cannot override this freedom.
- Hell is Separation from God – As Scripture teaches: “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46)
The suffering of the damned comes from their rejection of God, not from Satan’s dominion. - Temptation vs. Authority – Satan tempts, deceives, and encourages sin. He cannot make anyone sin. The vivid language of the saints, including Liguori, is meant to illustrate the real spiritual dangers of sin, not to exaggerate the devil’s power.
Scripture to Reflect On
- 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.”
- James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
These verses remind us that resisting temptation requires conscious reliance on God. The “prowling lion” imagery is similar to Liguori’s warnings—it is to awaken attention, not to imply the devil has true authority over souls.
A Pastoral Reflection
The Church invites us to see temptation and evil through a spiritual lens. The devil’s “gloating” is metaphorical, representing the danger and consequences of turning away from God. Saints like Liguori warn us because we are often unaware of how subtly sin can creep in.
Understanding this, we can focus on:
- Vigilance: Prayer, confession, and avoidance of occasions of sin
- Hope: God’s mercy is infinitely greater than any temptation
- Faithful Freedom: Knowing that our choices matter and God respects our free will
As St. Alphonsus reminds us, the path to holiness is not fear of Satan, but active pursuit of God’s grace.
Conclusion
The devil’s temptations are real, but his power is illusory compared to God’s sovereignty. Souls are “lost” only when they freely reject God. Saints’ warnings, scripture, and Church teaching converge to invite vigilance, reliance on grace, and hope. In reflecting on temptation, may we be strengthened to resist the enemy and remain in the joy of God’s love.
