Signs of possession
Signs of possession
Question: I am an 86-year-old Catholic, and I am attempting to recollect the three indicators of demonic possession that I learned. I believe the first two are coldness, objects moving on their own, and the third one I cannot seem to recall. Can you assist me?
— Michael Valko, Noblesville, Indiana
Answer: These would not be the indicators that an exorcist is directed to observe. The traditional rite of exorcism specified three signs, while the revised rite, implemented in 1999, included an additional fourth sign.
The indicators are as follows: “Articulating several terms in an unfamiliar language or comprehending another conversing [in it]; revealing remote and concealed occurrences; exhibiting power that surpasses the individual’s age or physical state. … [A]rgent hostility towards God, the Most Sacred Name of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints, the Church, the Scriptures, holy matters and ceremonies, particularly sacramental ones, and from sacred representations” (De Exorcisimis, No. 16).
These dislikes and abilities are evident in the individual when in the possessed condition. Individuals who are possessed do not remain in the possessed state continuously throughout the day. Instead, they fluctuate in and out of this state, typically with greater regularity, as the possession intensifies.
To ascertain possession, the exorcist is guided in the introduction of the Rite of Exorcism (No. 14) to not readily assume that an individual is possessed. He must eliminate natural explanations, which encompass both physical and psychological factors, in addition to spiritual ones.
Typically, the exorcist will recite specific prayers over an individual believed to be possessed and observe for the four signs.
Failing to identify adequate reason to determine possession does not imply the absence of malevolent influence.
If an individual is not possessed, they might be experiencing a milder type of assault referred to as oppression. In these instances, prayers for deliverance and continuous spiritual support are necessary instead of the procedure for major exorcism.
Begotten from God
Question: What is the significance of the phrase in the creed that states Jesus was “begotten, not made”?
— Name withheld, Ava, Missouri
Answer: This is the creed’s method of highlighting that Jesus is not a created being but is indeed God, participating entirely in the singular divine essence.
When a human being produces something, like a meal or an artwork, we refer to it as created matter. And while the meal or artwork reflects aspects of us as the creators, the meal or artwork is not a human entity; it does not partake in our essence. However, if a human father begets a son or daughter, that offspring does partake in the same human essence as the parents.
Thus, the term “begotten” in the creed pertaining to Jesus signifies that he shares the identical divine essence as his Father and is not simply a creation or entity made by the Father, which differentiates him from having something other than the divine essence. For instance, you and I are God’s creations, as we lack his divine essence. We are made by God, not begotten by him.
To highlight the divinity of Jesus even more, the creed states that Jesus is “consubstantial with the Father.” This means he fully participates in the singular divine essence we refer to as God. The Father and Son are distinct as individuals, yet united in nature and essence.
