Summer Reading p.1

Several months ago I picked up two books, Am Exorcist Tells His Story & An Exorcist- More Stories both by Fr. Gabriele Amorth, chief exorcist for the Diocese of Rome. In reading the first of the two, I had to revisit some favorites I read several years ago: Hostage to the Devil by Fr. Malachi Martin, S.J. and Possessed by Thomas B. Allen. The former recounts vivid and unsettling stories of real exorcisms and the latter is an account of the case that inspired William Peter Blatty to write the book and eventual movie script, The Exorcist.

The subject of exorcisms is one that draws different reactions from Catholic individuals. There are those who firmly believe in this sacramental and acknowledge that Satan's power seeks to influence individuals and there are those who reduce exorcisms to obsolete superstition of the past.

There is no doubt that evil exists and that the power of Satan is rampant in our world but how does it affect us? It affects us in drawing us away from the love of God. None of us is fully impervious to the temptation to act outside of God's design of love and holiness for us, and therefore, evil seeks to grasp us in these moments of temptation and weakness. Many holy men and women and even great saints felt the very real threat of Satan. There are stories of Saints John Vianney, Martin de Porres, Teresa of Avila and Padre Pio engaging in spiritual and sometimes physical battles with Satan and his minions. Where does that leave me the common, sinful Catholic? Why is this threat so present that it even touches the holy ones?

A present challenge is the growth of secularization and moral relativism that our world is experiencing. The opportunities for Satan to touch us also grow. However, not everything is on a downward spiral because the power and love of God is behind us urging us on toward hope. History is in the hands of God. Pope Benedict reminded us of this early in his pontificate,

"History, in fact, is not in the hands of dark forces, left to chance or just human choices. Above the unleashing of evil energy, above the vehement interruptions of Satan, above the so many scourges of evil, rises the Lord, supreme arbiter of history," (May 11, 2005)

So what is left for us? Only to acknowledge the presence of the evil one around us and to resist him with prayer and the active pursuit of holiness. 1 Peter 5:8 counsels us:

Be watchful and vigilant, your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, resist him, steadfast in faith.