During his life St. Dominic had many encounters with the devil. Sometimes Satan would appear in diabolic form. Far more often he took other forms such as a wolf, a woman, and even once in the guise of a Friar. On one occasion our Holy Father was studying the scriptures late at night in the Church whilst holding a candle. The devil appeared in the form of a monkey and tried to distract him. St. Dominic grabbed his tormentor and commanded him, in the name of Christ, to hold his candle. He then returned to his studies. He dismissed his simian-shaped assailant after the candle had burned down to his hands.
Often we are also distracted from prayer or sacred study. Sometimes through a wandering mind, disturbing thoughts, or just a feeling of spiritual dryness. Often this is the evil one assaulting us. There is nothing that torments the devil more than people drawing closer to God. When we have these struggles we need to keep our focus on God and persevere. We must of course ask for God aid in these struggles as we have nothing to fear because we are Christ's and if we keep our faith in him there is no monkey we cannot throw off our backs.
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