how to get rid of evil spirits, improve your luck and attract blessings into your life - by fr. greg

Today's gospel reading (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20) has to do both with evangelizing and with the casting out of evil spirits.

Luke 10:17-20: "The seventy-two came back rejoicing. 'Lord,' they said, 'even the devils submit to us when we use your name.' He said to them, 'I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Look, I have given you power to tread down serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice instead that your names are written in heaven.'"

With this in mind, I thought it would be beneficial to provide instruction on how to rid yourself and your family of evil spirits, should you find yourself in a situation where you need to do so. The activities of malevolent spirits do not always manifest like they do in movies, with screaming and violence; in fact it is quite rare. But if you find yourself succumbing to addictions and other vices, have a run of bad luck, start losing money and friends, develop a chronic illness or pain, have a chronic low mood and discord in the home, or you are the subject of rumors and gossip, it is very likely the work of evil spirits.

It is important to remember that Jesus himself gave you, and all of His disciples, the authority to cast out demons: " Look, I have given you power to tread down serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you." (Luke 10:19) Therefore, when you do these simple rituals, remember that it is with the authority of the Almighty God and have faith.

First, it is important to be clean in the presence of God, so that you are not vulnerable to further attack. This can be accomplished by the sacrament of Reconciliation, or if that is not possible, the Act of Perfect Contrition. Tell the demon or evil spirit plainly, and with force and great faith, that you cast it out in the Holy Names of Jesus, and the Holy Mother of God. Then, for seven consecutive days, recite Psalm 23, Psalm 91 and Psalm 56 morning and night. Optionally, at the end of these 7 days you can take a ritual bath with bitter herbs (mint will suffice) and dry yourself with a clean white towel (it doesn't have to be white, but the lighter colored the better) with faith that you are both free of the evil spirit and protected.

Make use of any sacramental items you have at your disposal, whether they be holy water, palm branches, the Rosary, the Crucifix, holy icons and so on. Holy water or holy oil is especially crucial to have on hand for its ability to confer both grace and purification when used on people, places and items. If you suspect you have come into contact with a cursed item, either take it to a priest and have it blessed or destroy it.

Preventative measures are best when dealing with these matters. Staying in a state of grace is ideal, but cultivating personal relationships with one's guardian angel, St. Michael the Archangel and the Blessed Mother - and of course Jesus Christ - is very important as well. "Ejaculatory prayer", or the recitation of small prayers periodically during the day, is one of the greatest sacramentals at one's disposal. Having your home blessed by a priest once a year will go far. Additionally, remember to give thanks daily for anything for which you are thankful, and express your gratitude to your benevolent angels, spirits, saints, ancestors, Mary and God for their aid.

Given the demographics of the people on my Facebook, I should say also that occult practices can open you up to these types of possessions (astrology is not included here). I know that many of you are quite experienced in many forms of magick, and this goes without saying, but beware of what spirits approach you, even if - especially if - they claim to be of God: "Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God: And every spirit that dissolveth Jesus, is not of God: and this is Antichrist, of whom you have heard that he cometh, and he is now already in the world." (John 4:1-3)

Lastly, remember the power our Blessed Mother holds over demons is especially strong. Praying the Rosary daily is perhaps the greatest defense against them, according to many sources. Not to mention, the Little Office of Our Lady is Empress of Hell and she can be called upon to aid in the casting out of any and all devils that torment you. In this role, she is a fearsome warrior and disciplinarian who vanquishes the devil for the sake of Christian souls. Do not be afraid to call on her: “We fly to Thy protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.”

Mark 16:17: "And these signs shall follow them that believe:

In My Name they shall cast out devils"