👂 Eyes and Ears on Guard: How the Devil Attacks You (Fr. Mark Beard)

In a raw and powerful outdoor homily, Father Mark Beard warns the faithful to be constantly "on guard" against the devil's subtle, strategic attacks. He draws a direct line from the devil's assault on Adam and Eve to his continuous attacks on Christians today, highlighting the vital necessity of vigilance over our senses.

The Devil's Three Targets:
Your Eyes (0:10): He uses the traditional depiction of Saint Joseph, who is often shown looking down, to illustrate how the sin of lust and temptation enters through the eyes. He warns the audience to be careful about what they watch.

Your Ears (0:29): He challenges the audience to discern what they hear, whether it's truly from God, or just "the latest gossip." He cautions against the casual sharing of unverified information: "I'm just saying."

Your Mind (0:56): Father Beard states that the evil one will try to get to us through only one of seven ways (referencing the Seven Deadly Sins, though not listing them) and that it's often self-evident. He highlights the cycle of going to Confession for the same sins over and over, asking, "How sorry were you?"

The Call to Dedicated Prayer:
No Multitasking (2:23): Father Beard strongly warns against "multitasking in the kitchen" while saying a Hail Mary or praying casually while driving. He demands dedicated time for prayer, saying, "You either praying or you doing something else."

The Consequences of Neglect (2:36): If you do not dedicate time to prayer in the current world, he warns, we will fall victim to the spiritual chaos, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and St. Paul, where what was once called good is now called evil, and vice versa.

This is a critical homily for understanding the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of intentional, focused prayer to protect your soul.