Jesus' ministry was to go "about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil" (Acts 10:38). The people of His time viewed Jesus as an itinerant Jewish exorcist (see Acts 19:13). Jesus went from town to town driving out legions of demons (see Mk 5:9). He gave His disciples the power and authority to do the same (Mt 10:1). For example, Peter's deliverance ministry was so powerful that even his shadow was used to heal and free those "troubled by unclean spirits" (Acts 5:15-16). Paul's deliverance ministry was so anointed that "when handkerchiefs or cloths which had touched his skin were applied to the sick, their diseases were cured and evil spirits departed from them" (Acts 19:12). So we, as disciples of Christ, can go from house to house, place to place, and city to city, driving out demons in Jesus' name.

Some may question if we have such power and authority over the devil. He doesn't seem to be defeated in our houses and cities. One reason for this is our lack of love. Without love, every gift of the Spirit, including deliverance, profits us nothing (1 Cor 13:1-3). The devil is an expert in promoting unforgiveness, anger, jealousy, bitterness, and resentment. If we fall into these temptations, our power over the devil amounts to nothing. However, if we love our enemies and forgive those who hurt us, we can "destroy the devil's works" wherever we go (1 Jn 3:8).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009

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