Cast Out Demons
I was a sceptic. I believed the word demon only had an allegorical and figurative meaning. I now believe it has a literal meaning as well. It also refers to the act of expelling evil spirits or demonic forces from individuals who are believed to be possessed or oppressed by them.
I have come to this realization gradually over many years of experience in ministering spiritually to persons and families. In this week’s Gospel Mark 16: 17 Jesus says ‘by using my name (believers) will cast out demons’. Jesus gives believers part of His divine authority and power over evil. It demonstrates His (Jesus) dominion over both the physical and spiritual realms.
There are many instances in the Gospels where Jesus casts out demons. St Mark gives us an example - Mark 1:23-27: In the synagogue, Jesus casts out an unclean spirit from a man, astonishing the onlookers with his authority.
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Individuals possessed by demons suffer physically, mentally, and emotionally. By casting out demons, Jesus provides relief and restores well-being to the afflicted. The act of casting out demons requires faith on the part of the afflicted person or those interceding on their behalf. It underscores the importance of faith in Jesus' power to deliver and heal.
In Mark 16 Jesus is saying that casting out demons in His name is symbolic of the coming of the Kingdom of God. It represents the breaking in of God’s reign over the forces of darkness and evil in the world. And we are called to participate in this quest.
The casting out of demons is a foretaste of the ultimate victory over Satan and evil that is achieved through Jesus' death and resurrection. It highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and reliance on God’s power in the Christian life.
The Church advises us to exercise caution and discernment in identifying cases of genuine demonic possession versus psychological or medical conditions. We are urged to use official exorcists, priests who are appointed by their bishop to perform exorcisms. They undergo specialized training to understand the nature of demonic possession, the spiritual and psychological aspects of the phenomenon, and the proper use of the Rite of Exorcism.
We ‘non-official exorcists’ still have important roles and responsibilities as believers. Our roles involve prayer, spiritual support, and personal spiritual discipline, grounded in the teachings of the Bible and the traditions of the Church. This involves:
Prayer and Intercession
Spiritual Vigilance and Discernment
Scripture Knowledge
Living a Holy Life
Supporting the Afflicted through Community and Fellowship
Using Our Spiritual Gifts
NOTICE BOARD
