Devil’s Been Talkin’
“Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him […]. We shall then see what comes of his dreams.” -Genesis 37:19-20
In popular culture, particularly on TikTok, the notion of an “intrusive thought” has gained some traction. It is a thought that barges in, uninvited; oftentimes, the thought is chaotic, disorderly, or even malicious. For example, some recognize an impulse to crush an egg when holding it. Interestingly, most people see these thoughts as “separate.” They do not come from “the self,” but from something else; maybe an alter ego, or, as we Catholics might interpret, the Devil. Joseph’s brothers harbor much envy, resentment, and malice towards him, and so allow the extremely evil thought of killing him to intrude. When we recognize an “intrusive thought” in ourselves – unfound disgust, judgement, or annoyance – take time to call on God’s grace in that moment. Ask ourselves: how have I allowed this thought? What grudge do I harbor, or pain do I carry, that could push my mind here?
And finally, thank God for your mind, and the insight of understanding part of it. It is truly a beautiful, complex thing He has created.
– Brosnan