Wednesday 11 March 2015

The Centrality of Jesus Christ

2. THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST
The ministry of spiritual liberation and exorcisms is a Christian ministry. Hence, the source, as well as the real minister, and the end is always and will be JESUS CHRIST. He is the one, who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven (Nicene Creed). He is the one who tells us "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."(John 15:5) This principle must be very clear to all.

The ministry is performed in obedience to Him who speaks to and through the Church which He founded. There is nothing in the exorcist that makes him special. No talent, no particular charism, no special power, that he does not already share with all the priests of the Church. The ministry is primarily a priestly ministry and is rooted in the very priesthood of Jesus Christ himself to which all priests derived their priesthood. Hence, the real focus of the ministry is the Lord Jesus Himself. Therefore both exorcist and the afflicted need to orient themselves to this truth.

The earnest prayer of supplication to be liberated from the power of the evil one is addressed to the God the Father through Jesus Christ. The imperative prayers, the very prayers that command the unclean spirits to depart are all given in the name and power of Jesus Christ.

How wonderful and awesome indeed is the Holy Name of Jesus. For whenever an exorcist with confident faith use that name to command the unclean spirits, the demons tremble with fear. They will resist and not obey with all their strength. They would mock and blaspheme but this is simply all show, nothing but a puff of hot air. But the power of that name, they could not overcome.

If the spiritually afflicted would indeed call upon the name of the Lord with expectant faith, in total trust in God's mercy and love, and in humility, the healing is not to distant. "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise". (Psa. 51:17)

 

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