Question

Dear Father Angelo,

I am Massimo from…, I would like an answer from you, not only as a Priest and therefore consecrated, but also as a man.

The Holy Bible is the word of God. As such, it is truthful and immutable. In the first letter of Peter, we read: “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour”… from this, it is clear that beyond the metaphorical meaning that some priests like to attribute to these words, the devil exists as an evil spiritual entity. Is that right?

In the passage from Mark 16, we read: “These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons… They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Why aren’t such things happening today?

Perhaps because we have such little faith that it does not permit the action of the Holy Spirit… the giver of gifts.

I am convinced that what is written is the truth and must be fulfilled as such.

What do you think of it in the light of what Jesus said when he was going to the Father… “I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.”

Thank you

Answer from the priest

Dear friend,

1. A distinction should be made between miraculous healings and deliverance from demons.

Miraculous healings were needed above all in the early days of the Church, to confirm the truths of the faith that were being announced for the first time, and also to attract many to conversion.

Today these truths are established and corroborated by the arguments of the Magisterium, the Holy Fathers, the doctors of the Church and the theologians.

2. However, it must be recognized that even today miraculous healings and authentic miracles take place.

Unfortunately, it must be said that despite this, conversions are not as numerous as in the first Christian community.

Perhaps it is necessary to apply to our people what Jesus said in the parable of the rich man and of poor Lazarus: “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead”(Lk 16:31).

3. Today it seems that what happened as a consequence of the resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany is being repeated: the “large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him” (Jn 12:9-11).

4. About the deliverance from demons, things are different because there are exorcists everywhere, although the cases of true possession are not many.

Furthermore, through blessings, many people are freed from devilish obsessions and harassment.

5. In any case, many continue to be freed from the power of demons by acquiring sanctifying grace through the sacrament of Confession.

And an even more significant number of people keep away from themselves any evil influences and assaults of the devil by bringing with them blessed objects, such as the crucifix, the crown of the Holy Rosary (which is very powerful), medals, scapulars, girdles…

I wish you well, I remember you in prayer and I bless you.

Father Angelo

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