Flies

We had a fly problem a few months ago at church. They swarmed around a bush by the front door and it took a lot of work to get rid of them. I can fully understand why Beelzebub is called (and the word actually means) "Lord of the flies". Flies are pests. They are filthy. They annoy you as they buzz around and contaminate things that they touch.

Satan is the same. He rarely comes right out and boldly declares his presence. Instead he works at sending a million little details that annoy us and frustrate us. He knows that he would be recognized if he were more open, so instead he tries to make us "die the death of a thousand (spiritual) cuts". Whether it be sins or trials, he wants to overwhelm us slowly and quietly.

So, do not take it lightly when you have a number of little problems. Do not consider it insignificant if you have multiple small sins. The devil likes that because if you will ignore what he is doing, then he can keep chipping away at your soul and you will not recognize what he is doing.

Lesson to be learned: go to Confession. Go often. Do not let the "little annoying flies" of venial sins go without attention. Focus on holiness and even if it takes a great effort, kill every little one of those annoying spiritual pests.