Daily Gospel Reflection for October 10, 2014

Today's Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

Today’s Gospel is written by Luke, a medical professional of the times. He wrote many stories from a doctor's point of view about healings and great works of power. Today by and large, doctors don’t buy into stories or beliefs in demons and devils or much of what is raised by the stories from today’s Gospel.

I am closely connected with a mother whose son has struggled with what seems to be some very evil manifestations. I can't go into details, but trust me - this son has done some things which are evil and seem to indicate an evil inside of him.

This leads me to share two stories that also revolve around this family. First, on a podcast, I heard and repeated the following to the family struggling with evil. A chief exorcist was asked if, among other prayers, he ever prayed to the late Saint John Paul II. He said that he had and with, "good results." So much so in fact that the exorcist told of speaking to an evil spirit inside someone he (the exorcist) was working with. He asked the evil spirit why they disliked and responded to prayers to the late Holy Father. The spirit answered, "because he (JPII) spoiled so many of our plans, and because he stole so many young people from us."

The other thing to share is that a deliverance minister (recognized in his diocese by the bishop) was consulted and then met with the young man that I’ve mentioned above. At the end of that first meeting, the deliverance minister told the young man to go and make a good Confession before returning for his next meeting. I was so pleased when I heard that. In recent times, a priest said that the strongest exorcism begins with a good confession (or words to that effect).

For today, let none of us diminish the effects of any sin in our lives. And let none of us ignore if there is true evil happening in or around those we love. All involved must stick close to and faithful to the Church. Seek help and remember Confession and frequent Holy Communion.

Ponder:

Are there any ways in which I have lost the sense or reality of evil around us in this society and in the world?

Pray:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, 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 of souls. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Deacon Tom Fox