A Deadly Virus ... and a Vaccine
In recent years, along with the increased secularization of our society there has been a renewed interest in the devil, demonic oppression and possession, the ministry of deliverance and exorcism. The popularity of movies like The Rite and TV shows like Evil are a testament to this fascination, even though it may spring from a variety of motives. Once associated almost exclusively with Protestant denominations like the Pentecostals, deliverance ministries are growing in the Catholic Church.
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus and his closest disciples are coming down from the mountain shortly after the Transfiguration, where he was manifested in glory as the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets and the Son of God (Mark 9:2-8). They are joined by other disciples and a large crowd. Almost immediately, Jesus is confronted by a father who is desperate to have his son liberated from a spirit that cannot speak but which manifests itself in symptoms that we would probably associate with epilepsy. It is a reminder that illness affects and is affected by not only the mind and body but also the spirit. In the face of the father’s wavering faith, Jesus heals the suffering boy, whose deliverance and return to health are manifested in a dramatic way.
In the aftermath, his disciples wonder why, when Jesus had already given them the power to drive out demons and heal sickness (Matthew 6:7-13), they were unable to help the boy. Jesus tells them, “This kind [of spirit] can only come out through prayer” (Matthew 9:29).
Fighting the forces of evil around us and within us requires that we be spiritually fit and that we rely—always—on God’s power rather than our own. In our first reading, James contrasts the signs of spiritual fitness (true wisdom accompanied by humility, purity, peacefulness, gentleness, mercy, fidelity, sincerity) with the signs of spiritual sickness (bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, boastfulness, falsity, inconstancy, insincerity).
Like the Covid-19 virus, evil and sin are never a private matter. If unchecked, they can infect and destroy communities. Fortunately, we have a vaccine: the grace of God. In just a few days we will have the opportunity for our annual booster shot: the season of Lent. Let’s make the most of it! —jc
Notes from a Journey - Capuchin Friar John Celichowski