Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told Him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to Him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and He drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew Him.
Rising very early before dawn, He left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with Him pursued Him
and on finding Him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
I predict that, like last Sunday, the priest at Mass at my parish this morning will not make any mention of the Devil or of demons or of demonic possession or of our Lord Jesus Christ driving out demons.
Only one of the following three can be true:
- The author of the Gospel of Mark was lying.
- Jesus was delusional in believing there are demons and that He has the ability to cast out demons.
- Mark was telling the truth — Jesus did drive out demons — which makes any priest or minister who refuses to address this subject a coward, at best, or at worst, a liar by omission.
“The finest trick of the devil is to persuade you that he does not exist. (La plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu’il n’existe pas.)” -Charles Baudelaire, Le Joueur généreux, 1864.
What’s the best defense against the Devil and demonic possession?
Be faithful to the First and Greatest Commandment of All (Matthew 22:37):
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Jesus, I love you!
Jesus, I trust in You!
~Éowyn