Many demons are homeless because Christians, using their God-given authority, have evicted them from people and neighborhoods where demons had made their homes. One might think that there are many other places for these demons. Yet sometimes demons fail to find a resting-place (Lk 11:24). Then they check their former residences or any other person or place which is “swept and tidied,” but hasn’t yet been filled with the things of God (Lk 11:25-26).

Would demons consider your life inhabitable or even ideal for occupancy? Is there a “No Vacancy” sign on your life, or do demons see your life as a prime location?  Most Christians admit that they have some things wrong in their lives. Yet they hardly consider themselves so bad that demons would love to dwell in them. Nonetheless, this perception of ourselves may itself be a work of the devil, “the father of lies” (Jn 8:44).

Just as an interior decorator may see an old, ramshackle house as having potential to become beautiful, so the devil may see a somewhat good person as having the potential to become evil. Thus, the devil may try to possess that person or at least harass him. The only way to be safe from potentially severe demonic activity is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness, from Whom all evil spirits flee (see 1 Cor 12:3; Gal 5:17). Therefore, be holy and offer no vacancy for demonic occupation.

Rescript:  In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2022, through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.