In the Gospel for Sunday, January 28, we hear how when Jesus and his disciples were teaching at the synagogue in Capernaum a man with an unclean spirit shouted out in recognition of Jesus, "I know who you are - the holy one of God!" Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, it came out of him, and the man was made free. An unclean spirit is defined as "a spirit resistant to God's holiness." We, too, have unclean spirits in us. How else can we explain sudden bursts of anger, intense jealousies, wild sexual fantasies, unforgiveness, or overwhelming feelings of depression? As Jesus showed his authority to cast the demon out of the man in the synagogue, unclean spirits in us are cast out by his supreme authority. I shared the following prayer in my homily this weekend and I want to share it with you. I recommend you pray it in the morning and at night. Pray it daily with confidence and over time the unclean spirit(s) in you will be subdued.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
In the name of Jesus Christ I reject, renounce, and rebuke all demons of (here you list the demons that hold you captive. They may be different from day to day. Name each of them here). In the name of Jesus Christ I reject, renounce, and rebuke you. In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to leave me and never to return.
Tender Mother Mary, cast your veil and mantle over me. Protect me from all demonic attack, temptation, retaliation, and deceit. Hide me now and always in your holy and immaculate heart. Amen.
If you make this a regular daily prayer, you will see the unclean spirits subdued. They cannot help but bend to the authority of Jesus, the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. Be persistent in this prayer and pray it with confidence.
Be assured of my prayers for you.
Fr. Lawrence D'Anjou
2021
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