Mathew 10
One of the major parts of the ministry of Jesus was casting out demons or unclean spirits. As we heard in today’s gospel, it was also a major task of the apostles.
Then, I wonder why this ministry of casting out unclean spirits is not much visible any longer in our contemporary Christianity. Is it because there are not many unclean spirits left in the world? Or those demons or spirits are in fact mental conditions as many people of our times understand?
Before these questions to be answered, we need to see why demons exist. Their goal is to turn people against God and lead them to hell. Then, how do they achieve their goal? Their primary method is to lie as Satan is the father of all lies.
In ancient times, demons approached people by occult practices such as witchcraft and magic. Demons lured people by false promises of power and fortune. Of course, these promises were lies that eventually made people instead miserable, resentful, self-destructive and hateful of God. Before modern times, demons manifested themselves in more visible ways such as obsession and possession, and it was easier to detect their infestations.
Now, modern times began. Modern times are an era of reason. And it seems that demons also changed their strategies adjusting to this new age. They took more ‘rational’ approaches. In this way, they became more invisible and subtle. Now, their lies appeal to human reason.
For example, our times see so much more abortions and infanticides than any other era in history. This is truly a work of Satan and his fallen angels. But these abominable practices are supported by all kinds of theories and arguments from many academics and activists.
In recent years, where do we encounter lies and false promises most commonly? On our mobile devices and computers! Fake news all over online! But aren’t they supposed to be the smartest devices the man created? How many detestable crimes and sins are planned and committed through these ‘rational’ devices?
Unclean spirits are still very much around us. We still need to cast them out. But in our times, it seems they are hiding in newspapers, magazines, college textbooks, computer hard drives, and our indispensable smartphones.
