Msgr. Rossetti

Response: This is a great question. It is part of the perennial question of why God allows evil in the world. It seems to contradict all we are taught about God being all-loving, all-merciful, and all-forgiving.

The first principle is this: God did NOT create evil or sin or suffering. These are all the result of the misuse of free will by some angels and human beings. Sin and suffering entered the world because of our sin. Even the sufferings of hell were not created by God per se. Rather, they are the direct result and consequences of sin.

So, first we should recognize the great responsibility of the free will given to us by God. If we are not able to truly choose, then we would not be made in God's image nor would we be able to love, in the divine sense of that word. This is the great dignity of the human person.

Second, God permits us to suffer in this life, and even to undergo demonic temptations and sometimes even demonic torments, for our sanctification. The great saints give us a witness to this reality. Many, many of them suffered greatly at the hands of demons. Of course, God gave them strength and courage to overcome these demonic assaults. Their suffering in faith was a participation for them in the sufferings of Christ and a grace for themselves and for the world.

You and I, in our own modest way, are likewise called to participate in the cross of Christ in this life. Like the saints, God gives us the grace to endure and makes us "little saints" in the process. Moreover, the resulting graces from these spiritual battles can also be a critical source of help for our loved ones, particularly when we offer it for them.

So, the key is to have faith in Jesus that he will give us the graces to be victorious. We should not let fear, resentment or anger take over, but rather we should remain in an attitude of faith and trust. Often we say: "Jesus, I trust in you." "Jesus I trust in you." At the final judgment, God will indeed lock the demons in hell forever.