Does Satanic Opposition Increase with Holiness?

Yes, given that we’re advancing in holiness and thus bearing greater fruit in advancing the Kingdom of God, something Satan obviously opposes. But the Good News is that the grace of God increases to combat the devil, so that we can continue growing closer to God and advancing the mission of his Catholic Church (Matt. 28:18-20).

St. Paul speaks about the armor God gives to withstand the attacks of the devil and his demonic associates in Ephesians 6:10-20:

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

So we need not fear Satan and his associates when we are in right relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church, as the lives of the saints beautifully illustrate, including St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. John Vianney and St. Padre Pio. As St. James reassures us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8).