Casting out devils and evil spirits is not a task which anyone
can do, since it requires extensive preparations, including much prayer
and fasting. If we are not properly disposed, prepared and ready, it is
best we refrain from attempting such things, since we ourselves could be
possessed, or cause more complications to others and even to ourselves,
or some could be quite badly injured, or even face the possibility of
death.
In today's Gospel, Jesus drove
away devils from two demoniacs with little resistance. It is interesting
to note that the devils actually pleaded with Jesus to be cast out into
a herd of pigs instead of Jesus casting them out and sending them to a
fate far worse. Jesus was merciful enough to grant them their request.
Jesus is God and He can easily drive devils away. But for the rest of
us, we should not straight away jump into conclusions that a person is
possessed, since there are certain procedures to be followed and one
should consult the bishop of the diocese to determine the next course of
action. Ultimately, let us check our intentions. Are we casting out evil
spirits to show how great we are, for our personal gratification, or to
feed our ego? Or are we truly, humbly and cautiously doing so for the
greater glory of God?
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