Do you ever find yourself disturbed by the dark side of reality? I do, often. It is one of the truths of the interior life that we overlook sometimes: life is a spiritual battle. Sometimes, there exists a destructive force within each of us that tends to lead us to annihilation: depression, discouragement, exaltation, despondency, in short, everything that distances us from ourselves and from the truth. A kind of dark force that prevents us from being happy and free. Jesus calls it “adversary,” and someone once said that if it is called “adversary” it means that it can be fought and defeated. Exactly: the dark part of us is controllable, subject to the Word of God; it just takes patience.
Fight against evil
Liberation from evil and the wicked one is the work of God’s power, who in the Risen Christ, has defeated death and Satan. The Church continues to fight against the evil that plagues each person’s history and every era in many ways, responding to the cry for help that rises from many tormented lives. Prayer of faith and exorcism are vital in this task of liberation from evil.
Exorcism in the Church
I have the incredible privilege of living with the exorcist of the diocese I serve. It is truly astonishing to witness the profound impact of spiritual liberation and exorcism on those who have suffered from negative forces that even medical doctors and psychologists/psychiatrists have been unable to address.
Unfortunately, there are many individuals, including some priests and religious figures, who do not believe in spiritual attacks or exorcism, denying the very real influence of the devil in people’s lives. I have personally encountered individuals who deny the existence of the devil, but I have tried to draw their attention to the numerous passages in the Scriptures (e.g., Mark 1:23-26, Luke 8:26-39), where Jesus and his apostles performed exorcisms, freeing individuals from demonic possession. A renowned exorcist once explained that the devil, in his cunning, operates by remaining hidden, convincing people that he does not exist, thereby giving him free rein to continue his destructive mission. This underscores the urgency of acknowledging and combatting spiritual attacks and the influence of the devil.
According to the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, “Belief in the devil is consistent with the scriptures and church tradition. However, the Holy See urges prudence and caution whenever there is a claim of demonic possession.”[1] This is why Canon Law provides that exorcists should be appointed and authorized by the diocesan bishop (Cann. 1172) and fulfil the ministry under the direction of the diocesan bishop. This is to avoid abuses and aberrations.
Battling the devil
In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares that he drives out demons by the finger of God. And he bestows this power to the church to continue the mission of liberation (Matt 10:1). In fulfilling its mission, the Church continues to pray as Jesus taught in the “Lord’s Prayer”: deliver us from evil. It is a solemn duty for us to remember to offer daily prayers for the exorcists who have been authorized by the church and who valiantly stand at the forefront in the ongoing battle against the devil and his malevolent forces.
[1] BEAL J. P. et al (Eds), New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, New York: Paulist Press, 2000, p. 1405.
