GOSPEL PEARLS

The exorcism of Emily Rose

He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him. (Mark 1: 27)

Gospel Pearls 12_01_2021

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. (Mark 1: 21-28)

One of the first proofs Jesus provides of His divinity is His ability to cast out demons in His own name. A very informative film about exorcisms, inspired by a true story, is The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Anneliese Michel, the protagonist's real name, agreed to Our Lady's request to atone for the sins of young Germans (especially for the sin of abortion) and priests. This atonement involved her suffering demonic possession. Watching the film, we can be strengthened in faith and remind ourselves that we are on the side of the strongest, that is Jesus, even when the devil seems to have the upper hand.