Chicago exorcist: The ‘evil one’ is very real

Tribulation Times 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/january.asp?version=63&startmmdd=0101

 January 26, 2011  

(1Pe 5:8-9) Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world. 

HEADLINE: Chicago exorcist: The ‘evil one’ is very real

As the official exorcist for the Archdiocese of Chicago, it's the Rev. Jeffrey Grob's job to expel demons from those cursed by the devil. But when it comes to demonic possession, Grob is the first to admit he's a skeptic.

When he receives the call — "Father, I am possessed by the devil" — he doesn't drop everything, grab a black bag and run to the victim to say some prayers.

"If only it was that easy," said the 49-year-old Wisconsin native, who spoke Friday to a crowd of more than 100 people at a Catholic Citizens of Illinois forum titled "The Consummate Deceiver: The Devil in the Modern World."

Instead, he approaches with caution. According to the Roman Catholic Church, exorcism is a rite performed only by a select number of priests to drive out evil spirits that, on rare occasions, can infiltrate human beings.

"The church is very slow in the process for the integrity of the rite," said Grob, who has been the archdiocese's exorcist since 2006 and serves as pastor of St. Celestine Church in Elmwood Park. (For six years, he also served as associate pastor of Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Parish in Winnetka.) "The Church is trying to avoid the sensational approach to things. What's the proof? Is this genuine?"

First and foremost, when a person claims to be possessed, Grob said he presumes there is a "natural, organic explanation." More often than not, those requesting his service do not actually need an exorcist.

"I am far more busy than I should be in the sense that I talk to far more people than I need to," Grob said. "The vast majority, they need to see their parish priest, they need to see a spiritual director or they need to go to confession.

"One good sacramental confession is more powerful than 100 exorcisms."

MORE: Saratoga pastor inspiration behind 'The Rite' 

QUOTE: Msgr. John Esseff, exorcist for over 50 years: "The ordinary activity of Satan is temptation.  That is his M.O. (mode of operation). In the last two petitions of the 'Our Father,' Jesus teaches us to pray, 'lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.'  It refers to Satan himself and his activity." 

OPINION EXCERPT: Unfortunately, as the poet Charles Baudelaire once wrote: "the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing mankind he didn't exist." In fact, for a time, due to the influence of liberation theology and the attempt by some members of the Church to keep up with modernity or science, a mistaken belief spread that the devil does not exist. Or is a mere presence. Or that the world is the actual hell. All are incorrect.

There is a devil, not a mere presence, but one with a distinct identity, personality, and agenda. And the agenda is simple: to hurt you, put you in despair, separate you from God, and join the devil in hell. And there is a hell, an actual place where damned souls are condemned to spend eternity. These are articles of faith for Catholics. Simply put: if you don't believe the devil exists you don't believe in the Gospels. As taught to us in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 391): "The devil and the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own doing." Or, as wryly put by Keanu Reeves in Constantine: "You should [believe in the devil]. He believes in you."

The devil, being a mere creation of God, is inferior to God. The devil's powers and knowledge are limited, only God's is limitless. The devil cannot read minds or perform miracles. And the devil can only do something to the extent allowed him by God. Now why God allows the devil to do what he does on mankind is a mystery. We believe, however, that it's all ultimately for our own good. Because God is good. We just need to keep the faith (Catechism No. 395).

MUST READ:  Incorruptible — Why the Devil Uses Abortion to Eliminate Down Syndrome

Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 27- "On holy stillness of body and soul"

53. He who wishes to present his mind pure to God, and is agitated by cares, is like a man who has tied his legs tightly together and then expects to walk briskly.

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This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.

 

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