4th Week in Ordinary Time 2021 - Monday - Deliverance from the Demonic

 The episode from today’s Gospel describes Jesus’ first excursion into non-Jewish territory, and it begins in a similar way as his public ministry among the Jews: with an exorcism—the casting out of an unclean spirit—a demon.

Mark’s description of the Gerasene demoniac shows how demonic influence seeks to distort and destroy the image of God in us.  We see this man living away from his family, wild-eyed, shouting, bearing the marks of self-mutilation. The human instinct of self-preservation and health is distorted and overridden by this demonic force.

So too, when we are given over to the powers of addiction, lust, greed, and wrath—when we allow ourselves to be possessed by the spirits of sin—our goodness becomes distorted, an ugly, unclean power begins to fill us.  

St. Mark even shows the futility of society’s efforts to deal with the demonic problem.  The most they can do is attempt to restrain the man physically, and even that is ineffective; the demon fills the man with a strength which breaks the shackles and chains.  Similarly, the world attempts to free man from his demons through silly pop psychology, self-help programs, pagan or esoteric spirituality, “new age techniques” or political promises. Many claim that science is the cure of all man’s ills.  

But Jesus shows, that in the end, it is only the power of the Most High which can free us from our demons.  For the cause of the demonic relationship is a rupture of the relationship with God and family.  

This is why, after the exorcism, Jesus sends the man back to his family to announce the Lord’s mercy. “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the lord in his pity has done for you.” Jesus restores the relationship with God and heals the rifts of family division.

Reminded of the real possibility of the human soul to turn away in demonic fashion from that which is Good—God, family, self, and society, we pray for deliverance. Trusting that the Lord continues to exercise this power to restore the human soul, to redirect it to its highest good, to heal and restore what is lost in sin, may we commit to being his instruments of deliverance and exorcism, through preaching and teaching and works of mercy for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the preaching and teachings of the Pope, Bishops, and clergy may be a source of strength and guidance for the Holy Church.

That those in civic authority may submit their minds and hearts to the rule of Christ, the Prince of Peace and Hope of the nations.

For the liberation of those bound by evil, those committed to sin an error, those oppressed or possessed by evil spirits, and for the conversion of the hardest hearts.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord

Homily: Thursday - 3rd Week of Lent 2017 - Deliverance from demons of the tongue

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus’ many healing miracles were not simply of a physical nature, but of a spiritual nature as well. Jesus heals physical blindness to point to the greater spiritual blindnesses that he came to heal. He cures our spiritual blindness that we may see the truth of God, that we may look beyond our own selfish desires to the needs of the poor, that we may in eternity come to behold the glory of the Lord in heaven. Jesus heals our deafness, that we may listen once again to the promptings of the Holy Spirit instead of our own egos and selfish desires. Jesus heals us when we are lame, that we might walk once again in the ways of righteousness and peace. Jesus heals our muteness that our tongues might proclaim the Gospel, to use our tongues for God’s purposes.

We are all in need of this spiritual healing, aren’t we? Spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness, spiritual lameness, spiritual muteness. Our Lenten observances are so important because they expose us to healing. Prayer exposes us to the healing presence of God, almsgiving exposes us to the healing that comes through service, through charity. Fasting, the healing that comes through self-restraint, the healing of our unrestrained passions which are meant to be placed under the dominion of God and the use of our reason.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus cures one afflicted with a demon of muteness. Again, all of us are tongued-tied in a way, we fail to proclaim the Gospel as we should. We particularly find it difficult to utter words like “I’m sorry”, or “Here, let me help you.”

St. James says that our tongue is a small part of our body with great power. “Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze,” he says. A small fire, a small word, can cause great destruction. “The tongue is also a fire… It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison”

On one hand, we are tongue tied; on the other hand, our tongues so often are used to spread evil: gossip, detraction, calumny, bullying, blasphemy, ludeness and perversion, cursing instead of blessing, foolishness instead of wisdom, discord instead of harmony.

We are more than half way through Lent now, how well have you been using your tongue this Lent? To bless? To pray? To encourage? To uplift? To instruct?

St. Peter says, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

Through our Lenten observances may the Lord deliver us from all spiritual muteness and misuse of our lips and tongues, for the spread of the Gospel, for the Glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For greater devotion in our Lenten prayer, greater self-restraint in our Lenten fasting, and greater selflessness in our Lenten almsgiving.

That civil leaders will use their authority to protect the dignity of human life and the well-being of the poor, especially the unborn.  We pray to the Lord.

For deliverance from demons of drug abuse, addiction, insanity, occultism, sexual perversion, greed, and any spiritual evils which degrade the human person.

For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter, that these weeks of Lent may bring them purification and enlightenment in the ways of Christ.  We pray to the Lord.

For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness: that the tenderness of the Father’s love will comfort them.  We pray to the Lord.