“he drove out many demons”
In today’s culture, exorcisms have been a common horror film theme. This is when someone is possessed by a demon and the spirit is driven out of the person. Seeing these films can make us think that this only happens in the movies or long ago. However, being possessed can and does happen even today. It has been happening since the time of Jesus as we read in the Gospel this Sunday.
What ways do we usually see Satan portrayed? Satan would like for us to have the following feelings when we see or hear him depicted. He would either like us to be full of such fear that we lose hope, almost as if we begin to believe that he is equal or more powerful than God. On the opposite spectrum, Satan would like for us to believe that he is a little man, with a red suite, horns and pitchfork. If we believe this portrayal of Satan, we can begin to believe that he is not harmful or even a made up character. Horror films not only portray Satan incorrectly, but they are usually very anti-Catholic and spread falsehood about Christ and His Church.
What is an exorcism? An exorcism is “an adjuration in which the devil is either commanded to depart from a possessed person or forbidden to harm someone. Although commonly referred to as driving the evil spirit from a possessed person, exorcism is essentially the same when used in the case of obsession.” [1]
Where do we see exorcisms in Scripture? We see exorcisms all over the Gospels. “The Gospels are filled with descriptive narratives about exorcisms performed by Christ. St. Mark’s Gospel is especially detailed in the number of exorcisms performed by Christ, and the effortless ease with which he delivered those who were under the influence of the evil one. In the account of these exorcisms, the contemporary idiom is unreservedly adopted: the evil spirits cry out in words found in contemporary stories where a devil about to be exorcised acknowledges the power of the exorcist: ‘I know you. You are…’ Hence it is noteworthy that Jesus uses none of the contemporary exorcists’ rituals and spells, but simply expels them by the power of his command. The deeper significance of these narratives is that Jesus inaugurates the final struggle against all evil and, with emphasis, against the evil spirit, and foreshadows the final victory. Significant, too, are the peace [2] and awareness of the divine presence [3] which follow Christ’s expulsion of demons.” [4]
Who can perform an exorcism? This task is usually appointed to a priest, generally one who as been given permission from ecclesiastical authority (i.e. a Bishop). There is such a thing as a private exorcism, “which is the private adjuring of the devil from harming someone, may be performed by any priest, and also by a lay person; for example, by the use of sacramental such as holy water or by invoking the name of Jesus.” [5]
Break Every Chain by Will Reagan & United This beautiful song tells us that there is power in the name of Jesus. At the name of Jesus, all demons run cowering and afraid, and “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” [6] At the name of Jesus, all chains formed around us can be broken. It is the tradition of the Church to make a slight bow when the name of Jesus is said in the Liturgy, this is why we see those in the sanctuary at Mass, make a slight bow at the name of Jesus.
How is an exorcism performed? First, it is important to note that the Church is extremely cautious about performing exorcisms, just like how the Church is cautious in accepting a miracle. “The Church, in her directives to exorcists, warns them not to be too ready to assume that there is diabolical possession, since there are so many cases of hysteria or other kinds of emotional disorder that may seem to be ‘possession.’ Moreover, explicit directives are given on how to deal with ostensibly possessed persons, notably to exercise great care not to be either deceived or intimidated by the evil spirit.” [7]
“Over the centuries the rite of exorcism has been long and detailed, with a variety of ritual forms, numerous signs of the cross, recitation of psalms, the Athanasian Creed, and periodic adjurations. Among other formulas, the priest declares, ‘I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the Judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator, and the Creator of the world, by Him who has power to send you to hell. Depart immediately with fear and with you your army of terror. Depart from the servant of God [name], who takes refuge in the bosom of the Church’.” [8]
Read the Rite of Exorcism
Should we be afraid of Satan? It is important to understand that Satan is our enemy or as an opponent. Jesus has won the victory, but we must choose his side. Our enemy and opponent is constantly trying to “steal and slaughter and destroy” [9] the victory that Christ has won for us. We should not so much fear Satan as much as fear the loss of the presence of Christ. Christ promises us that if we hear His voice and follow Him, we will remain in His hands and the thief (Satan) will not be able to snatch us away. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.” [10]
How can we battle Satan? Scripture says that Satan, “went off to wage war against the rest of her [Mary] offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus.” [11] We are the “Church Militant” and we fight against the devil, the world and the flesh. In the Liturgy of Hours we call upon God, our protector. In Night Prayer the following prayers can be prayed. “Before the day is finished, Creator of the world, we earnestly ask of Thee that, in keeping with Thy mercy, Thou be our protector and defense… May no ‘ill dreams’, no ‘nightly fears and fantasies’ come near us. Hold in check our enemy that our bodies be not defiled…Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy: Let Thy holy Angels dwell herein, who may keep us in peace; and let Thy blessings be always upon us…Protect us, Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep, that we may keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.” [12] The Church prays these prayers in order to head the words of the Apostle Peter, “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.” [13]
Search: Three Battles
[1] The Catholic Dictionary pg. 202
[2] Mk. 4:39, 5:15, 6:51
[3] Mk. 1:27, 2:12, 5:15
[4] The Catholic Dictionary pg. 202
[5] The Catholic Dictionary pg. 470
[6] Phil. 2:10
[7] The Catholic Dictionary pg. 470
[8] The Catholic Dictionary pg. 470
[9] John 10:10
[10] John 10:27-28
[11] Revelation 12:17
[12] Common of Compline; Officium Divinum
[13] 1 Peter 5:8-9