Facebook 46

 'The Whole World Is Under The Evil One'

One June 25, 1867 Don Bosco had a dream which he narrated at the "Good Night." I only mention what concern the theme of purity. Don Bosco had a vision in which he met Bishop Clement Manzini who sat majestically in an armchair. Don Bosco had a long talk with the Bishop. At a certain point Don Bosco asked the Bishop what message was there for his boys. "Tell your boys to save their souls because that's all that matters. The rest count for nothing." "We know we have to save our souls. But how shall we go about it?  "Tell them to be good and obedient." "Tell them to be modest and to pray." "Please be more specific." "Tell them to go to confession often and to make worthy Communions."  "Something more specific yet." "Well, then, tell them this. Tell them that there is fog before their eyes. If they are aware of it, it's a good sign. Let them dispel it."  "What does this fog symbolize?" "The things of the world which prevent them from seeing the things of heaven as they really are." "And what must they do to dispel this fog?" "They must see the world as it really is. 'The whole world is under the evil one.' Only then will they save their souls. They should not let themselves be deceived by appearances. Believing that worldly pleasures, amusements, and friendships will make them happy, the young long for them, while they should rather keep in mind that all is vanity and affliction of spirit. Let them form the habit of judged matters of the world not by their appearances, but as they really are."  "And what mainly causes this fog?" "Immodesty and impurity, a sin which, like a murky cloud, prevents youngsters from seeing the abyss toward which they are heading. Tell them to guard jealously the virtue of purity. It is the virtue that shines brightest in heaven. 'The pure shall flourish like the lily.' " "How is it to be safeguarded ?" "Four things: flight from worldly things, obedience, avoiding idleness, and prayer." "What else?  "Prayer, avoiding idleness, obedience, and flight from worldly things."

Source:  The Way to Heaven