Exorcist Diary #1: "Stop saying that name!"
Updated: Nov 22, 2019
In the middle of our exorcism session, out of the mouth of the possessed person came the cry, "Stop saying that name!" We had been saying the holy name of Jesus and it was really getting to the demons. They hated to hear it. So, realizing they hated it, we said it all the more, again and again. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
The name of Jesus is holy. It should never be used in vain or as a cuss word. This would be like throwing something holy in the mud. "At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Phil 2:10). I often quote this passage in the midst of a session, and emphasize the phrase, "under the earth." Even in hell, the name of Jesus is all powerful and every knee must bend.
On earth, the name of Jesus has power to cast out demons. As the Rite of Exorcism says, "In nomine Domini nostri Iesu Christi eradicare et effugare ab hoc plasmate Dei" which is, "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: be uprooted and be put to flight from this creature of God."
How many saints have died with the name of Jesus on their lips! But to the demons, his name is torture or, truly, pure hell.
Exorcist Diary #2: Dropped Call or Demons?
Updated: Jan 24
A priest in need of consultation tried to call me this morning. He had a thorny case of someone who, he believed, had a real demonic problem. He had just used his cell phone in that spot earlier and it worked fine. I also was in a good spot and calls that day went through fine. But this time, we tried again and again and again, more than a dozen times. We would begin to speak and then it just went dead.
It seemed unnatural to me so the next time I quickly said, "Let's say a prayer." We prayed to the BVM and St Michael to keep the phone lines open. That time, it worked just fine. We had a good chat and he really did have someone who was in strong need of deliverance praying.
Consistently, I find that possessed people, on occasion, will have great problems connecting on the phone to their priest-spiritual directors or to an exorcist. As their exorcist, there are times when they inexplicably can't get through on the phone. We see a clear pattern of demonic interference trying to stop these troubled people from getting in touch with the priest helping them. The demons do whatever they can to isolate their targets. Staying in touch with a priest is the last thing the demons want. And demons love to mess with gadgets!
Solution? Pray over the phone lines to keep them clear. Also, we typically have a backup way to stay in touch as well. We may use skype or some other internet form of communication. Or we contact a close friend or family member who then contacts the afflicted person. Eventually we always get through. The demons can slow us down but with a little perseverance and prayer we get through. This is typical of demonic harassment- they can stall, harass and try to make things difficult but, in the end, God always wins!
Exorcist Diary #3: Why do demons choke people?
A man recently called and said his house was infested with demons. He added that they recently attacked him in bed and choked him. He couldn't breathe. So, he instinctively said in a loud voice, "In the name of Jesus, get off me!" He said this several times. Finally, the demons stopped.
Many people who are attacked by demons say that they are sometimes choked by them. In the midst of exorcist sessions, the possessed person will not uncommonly start choking. During the worst case we had, the demons said, through the mouth of the possessed person, they are "forced" to choke this person because of what the exorcism team was doing to them. So, the demons tried to blame it on us. My response, "Nice try."
Why do demons choke people? First, it is something animals do. They grab their prey by the throat to subdue it and to kill it. Demons are not allowed to kill people but they can choke people in certain limited circumstances, especially the possessed. Demons act like vicious beasts and are often portrayed as animals. They choke people to try to establish their authority over the person and also to frighten and intimidate them. If you've ever been choked, you know how terrifying it can be.
But, rest assured, God does not allow the demons to kill us. Also, the proper response is what the man spontaneously did: he commanded the demons In Jesus' name to stop. We all have authority over our own bodies and we can exercise this authority by telling the demons to leave.
Demons try to establish their control through intimidation and fear. We should remember always that Jesus is Lord! and we trust in him.
Exorcist Diary #4: Attacked by Demons
Updated: Jan 27
Rough case today. We thought it would be a simple case of a mild demonic oppression. As we began the prayers of liberation, I was attacked by demons. My stomach got instantly nauseous, it spread to my head and the rest of my body. My whole being felt spiritually pummeled throughout the session. It was difficult to stay in the room and continue the session. Ugh.
After the session was over, a gifted person in the room (before I could tell him my experience), said he saw the demons attacking me at the beginning of the session and he also described the same thing- it started with my stomach and went to my head. So this was a confirmation. I am not crazy! Being pummeled by demons is an experience that is hard to mistake.
But it was also a grace. Now we know this person has a serious demonic problem. So, we will schedule many more sessions. And, I hope and pray, as the demons attack us, that it is a grace for him and more quickly results in his liberation. Praise be to the Lord!
Exorcist Diary #5: Plumber or Holy Water Needed?
We had a very difficult exorcism case. The demons present were high-ranking and it was a long and terrible battle. In the end, the Blessed Virgin showed up and cast Lucifer out!
At one point, one of the assisting priests was having problems in his rectory. The plumbing was stopped up and the toilets didn't work. It lasted for over a week. He had the plumbers in on several occasions and they could find nothing wrong. They assured him that his waste system was fine. But why wasn't it working?
He mentioned the problem to me and, recognizing that his problem might not be physical, I responded, "Try throwing some holy water on it." He did and everything immediately started working again.
Demons love to harass us. God does not allow them to seriously hurt us so they do whatever they can to tempt, frighten, harass and intimidate. As I tell the team, do not be swayed by such adolescent tricks. Jesus is Lord! Trust in him.
But it does go to show you: Sometimes in life you need a plumber, but other times, you need a bit of holy water.
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