Television shows featuring stuntmen jumping over buses on motorcycles or walking between skyscrapers on tightropes always carry the warning: “Do not try this at home.” The women and men who perform such acts of derring-do are highly trained professionals. The producers of these action packed shows are afraid that people at home will try to imitate their stunts and hurt themselves and others in the process and so they are sure to warn them, “Do not try this at home!”
There are many scenes in the gospels as well which should probably carry the warning: “Do not try this at home!” Last Sunday's gospel is one example. None of us should be trying to cast out demons from people, especially in the middle of church services. We should leave that to trained professionals- the bishops and priests who have received Jesus’ own authority over unclean spirits through the sacrament of Holy Orders.
This warning to “not try this at home” should extend also to any activity that involves calling on occult demonic forces. We can sometimes think that popular practices such as consulting our horoscope or playing with a Ouija board are harmless. But they open us up to dark forces which pose real dangers to our soul. We should also avoid all morbid curiosity about paranormal activity and witchcraft. Most especially, we should steer clear of seances and any attempts to conjure up or contact the dead. Unfortunately, many clairvoyants and mediums claim that they have a gift from God and may even use Christian images such as statues of Mary or rosaries in their performances. However, we should have no doubt in our minds that any powers they may have come from demons and not from God. Followers of Jesus Christ should have nothing to do with them.
If through ignorance any of you have found yourselves involved in such activity, there is no need to fear. God has given us the Sacrament of Confession to cleanse and heal our souls. However, it is imperative that you go to confession as soon as possible, get rid of any occult materials you may still have around the house and strictly avoid this activity in the future.
Every day we should be filling our souls and minds with the pure light that comes from God. Instead of reading our horoscope or tarot cards, we should be reading the Bible. In it we find our true future- that we are destined to live with God forever in heaven. Instead of going to seances to consult the dead, we should be coming to Mass where we encounter the living God in Jesus Christ who has risen from the dead. Instead of uttering incantations or reciting mantras, we should be praying the Rosary to meditate on the life of Christ. And instead of trying to gain power over others through witchcraft, we should be serving others through works of charity.
DO try that at home and learn to trust in the love and wisdom of God who alone holds our future in His loving hands and who promises to make all things work out for our good
(image by Art Revisited Tolbert www.artrevisited.com)
Copyright: © Art Revisited, Tolbert www.artrevisited.com info@artrevisited.com
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