A Lesson From The Exorcist Files, a New Book From Fr. Carlos Martins
What if I told you that an exorcism was not enough to free a possessed woman from her demonic bonds? And what if the thing that eventually made the exorcism effective was not a sacrament or sacramental?
Joining the ranks of many others, I eagerly awaited the latest book by Fr. Martins, The Exorcist Files, and kept a close watch on the release date. Naturally, when I was given the opportunity to receive an advanced copy, I didn’t hesitate to take it. I am not the type to write reviews without thoroughly reading the material, so I have been taking my time going through the book for several weeks now. As expected, it is filled with fascinating insights and straightforward teachings about the spiritual battle that Fr. Martins has become known for. I’m enjoying it, and so far, I highly recommend it.
I felt compelled to write this post even before finishing the book because I came across a story that is not just a narrative, but a profound revelation.
Amid a story about a woman struggling with possession, Father Martins unveils a profound truth: “After several weeks of meeting with a psychologist, the exorcisms began to be effective at evicting the demon.” (Pg. 35)
Pause. Re-read that.
Put simply, the exorcisms did not have the desired impact (freedom from the demon) until the victim started sessions with a psychologist. It was only when she began to address her emotional wounds (in this case, an unhealthy and disordered desire for something) with the help of the psychologist that real progress was made, and the exorcism was then effective. This underscores the crucial role of psychological care in our healing journey.
This is incredibly significant for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it highlights the value and importance of receiving quality psychological care from a qualified and preferably faithful Catholic professional. Additionally, it showcases the significant role that treatment of our emotional wounds plays in either aiding or hindering our healing process.
The first point:
My dad likes to say, “God has desired ends and chosen means.” God desires you to be in heaven with Him. He chose to give you the particular sacraments, the Church, and the faith to allow you to achieve that. Another example is that you may have some shortcomings that God desires to heal you of. His chosen means may be your spouse who can trigger that imperfection in you, thereby presenting you with opportunities to grow in virtue and, ideally, overcome the imperfection. Desired ends, chosen means.
So, when it comes to wounds, we undoubtedly know that God desires us to be healed and whole in Him. But what of the means? The Sacraments are the preeminent means of obtaining healing; the Eucharist, and reconciliation are especially powerful gifts we should avail ourselves of. Prayer, of course, is another means. Specifically, time spent in the gospels, relating the messages of Jesus to our own lives and our attempt to unite ourselves to the will of God, made evident through scripture. However, the means are not limited to the sacraments, sacramentals, and other faith-related specifics.
Imagine this: God could have easily set this woman free during the exorcism. Instead, He guided her to a Catholic psychologist (through the exorcist) to work through her wounds and unhealthy attachments. This understanding (a profound grace considering she was still possessed) paved the way for the sacramental effect to be achieved. It’s safe to say that without the healing she received through the psychologist, she wouldn’t be free today.
The second point:
We all carry some form of wounding, even if it may seem absurd to some. It is an undeniable truth. In my own healing process, I have encountered unexpected things, situations, and experiences that, at face value, appeared as if they were nothing of consequence. Yet they had such a negative impact on me that they led me to believe lies about myself for years. These beliefs changed how I thought and perceived myself in relation to Christ.
How does this affect our ongoing battle against the enemy? The enemy gains a foothold in our lives through sin and wounds. Sin, which is essentially turning away from God and giving in to the enemy’s temptations, is easily understood. But wounds may be less apparent to some. These can come from our struggles or circumstances, such as low self-esteem or making negative vows due to past traumas. They can also come from others, including psychological or physical harm and abuse. The root issue lies in allowing these wounds to define us and become our identity.
“I = my wound.” The real danger lies in fixating on our negative experiences and refusing to seek healing. This creates a wound that festers and invites the enemy to pick at it and cause infection. In the case of the woman who was possessed, she turned to false solutions to ease her pain (on her terms, not God’s), which ultimately led to her possession.
The conversation regarding wounds and the enemy is far deeper than what can be addressed here. Still, the importance lies in recognizing the interconnectedness of our spiritual and psychological well-being. Our wounds, whether inflicted by ourselves, others, or unseen forces, have the power to shape our thoughts, behaviors, and, ultimately, our relationship with God. By seeking healing (desired ends) through the appropriate channels (chosen means), be it sacramental grace, psychological counseling, or a combination of both, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and mercy.
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Image: Unsplash+
First published on DotheHarderThing.substack.com and reprinted here with permission.
