In Mel Gibson’s “the Passion of the Christ” we see Satan, the original Deceiver and Anarchist, lurking in the background from time to time, most notably, during Jesus’ scourging.
The imagery serves to remind us that though we never actually see him, or rarely feel his direct presence Satan is always lurking in the background, lying, tempting, nudging, prompting, and thrilled when evil takes hold of human souls.

Where was he if not behind the ugly crowd that called for Jesus to be executed in the place of Barabbas; whispering “punish the good – reward the evil”?

Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “crucify Him, Crucify Him!”

Then he said to the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”

But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices the He be crucified.

Luke 23:20-23

I’ve always wondered at the utter irrationality of this condemning crowd. Only a week before, many of these same people were praising and worshiping Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. And now, they’d rather have a murderer released into their midst than let an innocent man go free. How to explain this sudden shift from good to evil – from love to hate?

Even if you don’t believe any of this Christian “nonsense” doesn’t it seem conceivable that there may be otherworldly forces at work? Sub-currents, that erode rationality and turn average human beings into barbarians?

Which brings me to the angry mobs of the 21st century. What exactly is fueling the mindless hatred, rage and violence that we see here, here, here, here and here? Whose voice is telling them that profanity, rioting, destruction and even murder is an appropriate reaction to anything?

It is most definitely not the Voice of Truth.

Vade retro me, Satana!