Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
“Jesus cured many who were
sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them
to speak because they knew him.” Mk 1:34
In today’s psalm
(147), God is praised as good, mighty, gracious, and wise; the Father who heals
our broken hearts and binds up our wounds; the Creator who numbers the stars
and calls them by name; the just Judge who lifts up the lowly and casts down
the wicked; the merciful Lord who heals the sick and casts out evil.
In Mark’s Gospel,
the powerful description of Jesus’s authority reveals the truth of what has
happened: the Kingdom of God has come in the person of Jesus Christ. This new
King, Jesus the Son of God, does the work that only God could do: casting out
demons, healing the sick, and lifting up the lowly. The Son of God has complete
power over Satan and his minions. The demons know who Jesus is. They fear him
and try to use His Name to control him, but He forbids them to speak. They flee
before Him, for they have no power over Jesus. Today, that supreme authority over evil is held by the Church. The Catechism (§1673) describes the power given to the Church: “When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One… it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing… Exorcism… can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop.”
It is important for us, as laypeople, to turn to the Church when confronted with evil. Although exorcism is rarely necessary, we must not take the battle against evil upon ourselves but instead, through the prayers of the Church, call on the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the victor; the Son of God. If you ever must face evil in this world, turn with faith to Jesus, truly present in the Catholic Church, and He will protect you from all harm.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
Rebuke him, O God, we humbly pray, and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin and destruction of souls.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
Rebuke him, O God, we humbly pray, and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin and destruction of souls.
Amen
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