From the Friars: The Unclean Spirits
When I was about ten years old my older sister had several of her friends over to our house for a “sleep over.” They went to see a movie and I was in bed but still awake when they got back. I pretended to be asleep so I could eavesdrop on their conversation, which was easy to do with the way our rooms were divided. Despite being strictly forbidden to do so, they had gone to see “the Exorcist,” a film that was causing quite a stir at the time. They were all expressing their great trauma, real or imagined, at what they had seen. Their fear was contagious.
Exorcism at the Synagogue in Capernaum, by an unknown author – Public Domain, Link
Hollywood has produced many movies about the devil and demons. There is big money in terrifying people, as long as they know it is only a movie. But as we read in the Gospel today, demons are real and Jesus is often casting them out of people. During the recent pandemic, astronomical sums of money were spent to fight the dreaded invisible COVID 19 virus. Yet the Scriptures tell us to “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith…” (1Pet 5:8-9)
As with most things, there are two extremes to be avoided regarding the demonic. On the one hand, we should not be overly preoccupied or fearful of the devil. Neither should we imagine that he is hiding under every rock. But it is the other extreme that is far more common. Most people are unconcerned about the danger of demonic influences. Satan is very content to let us remain under this illusion while at the same time he is putting thoughts in our head to lead us away from God and the Church.
Demonic possession is real but fairly rare. Much more common is the daily temptations that we experience from the world, the flesh and the devil. We should be constantly discerning or screening our thoughts as to whether they are from God or not. Should I watch a movie that I know will be an occasion of sin? Should I eavesdrop on my sister and her friends out of vain curiosity? No.
Let us be aware of the reality of the prowling lion, but striving to love God and our neighbor more each day. This is the best defense.
God bless you.
–Fr. Peter