Exorcist Diary #340: Exorcist ‘Proof’ of the Resurrection
In the midst of the exorcism session I said, “By the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus, I command the demons to leave!” The out-front demon yelled back: “We won! We won! He didn’t rise!’ At that the priests in the room guffawed and I said, “This demon needs a history lesson.”
An exorcism is a dramatic experience of the truth of the resurrection. For example:
+Mention of the very name of Jesus torments the demons. If Jesus was vanquished on the cross by Satan and by those who carried out Satan’s plan to kill Jesus, would Jesus’ name have any power over the demons?
+Demons are terrified of priests and hate the Church. When I invoke the “keys of Peter” the demons howl. The Church receives her power and authority from the risen Christ, not someone who remained dead and buried.
+In a recent exorcism we read a Gospel account of the Passion. The demons couldn’t stand it and screamed, so we read it over and over again. If Satan defeated Jesus on the cross, why would the account of the Passion torment them? You would think they would rejoice.
+One of the iconic moments of every exorcism is the priest holding up a crucifix and exclaiming: “Ecce crucem domini, fugite partes adversae” (Behold the cross of the Lord, depart you evil powers). The possessed will often say it burns to look at it; demons turn away and cannot even see it. A crucifix is not a sign of Jesus’ defeat, it is the sign of Satan’s demise.
+Using the many Church sacramentals and holy objects torment and help to cast out the demons. Relics of the saints, the priest’s stole, the scapular, the rosary, Benedictine medals and more all help to cast out demons. These sacramentals receive their power from the risen Christ and from the authority He gave to the Church.
+Ultimately, every exorcism witnesses to the victory of Christ by its casting out of Satan and his minions. The Evil One could not be cast out by someone who was defeated on the cross and lay forever among the dead.
An exorcism is a powerful witness to the truth of the resurrection. On the cross and resurrection, Jesus completely and forever vanquished the power of Satan and his minions. Participating in an exorcism, one is filled with the firm, unshakeable conviction: Jesus Christ is risen!
Shortly after that demon exclaimed “He didn’t rise,” it was cast out.
