Do some of the looters and rioters seem possessed?

Do some of the looters and rioters seem possessed? The cure of the possessed child by Jesus offers some insights and observations on the actions of the evil spirit; from an ancient spiritual manual.

“He 'throws them to the ground' by making them fix their affection on earthly things. He makes them foam at the mouth and gnash their teeth, by inducing them to make use of foul and unbecoming language. He throws them into the fires of concupiscence . . .”

           The Possessed Child. (See below, St. Mark 9: 16-28).

A. Reflect on the great tyranny which the devil exercises on the bodies of those whom God permits him to possess. In the case of the possessed child, he threw him to the ground, made him foam at the mouth, cast him often into the fire, and often into the water. If he is so tormenting in this life, what will he be in the next? In this world his hands are tied, but in the next he has complete possession of the poor sinner. Of this terrifying reign in hell the prophet says, The streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the ground thereof into brimstone, and the land there of shall become burning pitch (Isa. 34:9).

B. The devil exercises a similar power in this world over sinners who are subject to him. He makes them inconstant like the moon in their resolutions of reforming. He renders them deaf to the inspirations of God and dumb in his praises. He 'throws them to the ground' by making them fix their affection on earthly things. He makes them foam at the mouth and gnash their teeth, by inducing them to make use of foul and unbecoming language. He throws them into the fires of concupiscence, and extinguishes every kindling spark of virtue by throwing them into the watery gulfs of worldly pleasures. Follow the advice of St. Paul and be one of those who recover themselves from the snare of the devil, to whose will they are held captive (2 Tim. 2:26).

C. The possessed child was presented first to the Apostles, but they could not cure him. We too should have recourse to every human means before expecting a miracle from God. The disciples were not permitted to cure this youth probably to increase and preserve their humility. Cherish this virtue, and say with the pious David, It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications (Ps. 118:71).

D. When Christ was requested to cure this youth He scolded the disciples for their unbelief. O unbelieving generation, how long shall I put up with you (Mark 9:18). Learn from this how hateful are unbelief and obstinacy in the sight of God. When the possessed child was brought before Him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell down on the ground, and rolled about foaming at the mouth (Mark 9:19). How bold and insolent is this infernal spirit even in the presence of Christ. Do not, therefore, wonder if he assails you during your most sacred devotions or when you approach the Sacrament of the altar.

E. The command of Christ deprived the devil of the power he had possessed over this young man from his infancy. Thou deaf and dumb spirit, I command thee, go out of him and enter him no more (Mark 9:24). O Lord, speak with the same efficacy to my soul. Observe how the devil crying out and violently convulsing him, went out of him (Mark 9:25). While he possessed this young man, he behaved more mildly toward him; but when he was forced to depart, he began to convulse him. The devil is always more spiteful when we abandon his service.

F. The boy's disease was difficult to cure, because it was inveterate and had grown with him from his infancy. If is difficult to abandon vices to which you have been long accustomed. A long sickness is troublesome to the physician (Eccl. 10:11). Christ said of this evil spirit, This kind can be cast out in no way except by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:28). Learn to appreciate the value of these spiritual weapons, and to use them successfully against the devil.

Gospel of Mark Chapter 9: 16-28.

And one of the multitude, answering, said: Master, I have brought my son to thee, having a dumb spirit. Who, wheresoever he taketh him, dasheth him, and he foameth, and gnasheth with the teeth, and pineth away; and I spoke to thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. Who answering them, said: O incredulous generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him. And when he had seen him, immediately the spirit troubled him; and being thrown down upon the ground, he rolled about foaming. And he asked his father: How long time is it since this hath happened unto him? But he said: From his infancy:

And oftentimes hath he cast him into the fire and into waters to destroy him. But if thou canst do any thing, help us, having compassion on us. And Jesus saith to him: If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And immediately the father of the boy crying out, with tears said: I do believe, Lord: help my unbelief. And when Jesus saw the multitude running together, he threatened the unclean spirit, saying to him: Deaf and dumb spirit, I command thee, go out of him; and enter not any more into him. And crying out, and greatly tearing him, he went out of him, and he became as dead, so that many said: He is dead.

But Jesus taking him by the hand, lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples secretly asked him: Why could not we cast him out? And he said to them: This kind can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

From Eternal Thoughts from Christ the Teacher, Volume 1, pp. 320-323, St. Paul Editions, 1961. An Old English version of this book, translated from the original Latin, was gifted to Richard Cardinal Cushing. He was so impressed by it that he rendered it into contemporary English and had it published at his own expense. The author or authors remain unknown.

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