‘The Exorcist’: Need One? A Priest Weighs In

In the Friday, Oct. 13, episode of Fox’s “The Exorcist,” called “Unclean,” defrocked priest (but still a priest, regardless of what he says) Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels) and Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) deal with a girl whose mother claims she is possessed.

Or is she?

Not everyone displaying aberrant behavior is possessed — in fact, most people aren’t. But there are signs to watch for, and Fox supplied this helpful video:

I checked in with Father Vince Kuna, C.S.C., a Holy Cross priest and filmmaker, to run down the list and see if it’s all true. Here’s what he had to say:

1. Supernatural strength: YES. This would also include the ability to levitate.  (An ability also attributed to a few of the saints as well.)
2. Impossible Knowledge: YES. Within a demonic spirit’s capacity of hidden knowledge is the knowledge of one’s sins — including those of the exorcist.  This is why it is always important for an exorcist team to go to confession prior to performing an exorcism. Absolution — when the priest, through the power of Christ, forgives confessed sins — wipes out the possessed person’s knowledge of the exorcist’s sins.
3. Speaking in Tongues: KINDA. This should be more properly understood as a possessed person speaking actual languages they would have no prior knowledge of, not just babbling nonsense. Especially, if someone busts out fluency in dead languages such as Sanskrit, that’s a pretty sure sign of possession.
4. Fear of Religious Icons: YES. Aversion to religious objects is a final indicator.  Although, a wizened demonic spirit numbed to images of Christ might react indifferently rather than negatively.

The show has also pointed out the power of holy water. Last week, in episode two, a possessed cardinal was able to drink holy water because the demon had entirely integrated into him, destroying his human soul. NOTE: This is an invention of the show, for dramatic purposes. The Church does not believe demons have the power to destroy a human soul, since those belong to God — who is always more powerful than any demon.

Tonight, we see a bit more of that cardinal, one of a secret cabal of possessed/integrated people attempting to take over the Vatican. Now, while neither I nor Father Kuna consider this to be an imminent danger, it’s nice to see a secular show recognizing the spiritual power of the See of Peter and its prime importance to the Christian world — and to holding off onslaughts from the netherworld.

Also tonight, we see a taste of the power of a Consecrated Host. While they continue to look like little wafers, Consecrated Hosts, the Eucharist, are the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. That about as powerful as you get. According to Father Kuna, serious Satanists can recognize a Consecrated Host from among a pile of unconsecrated ones — and a truly spiritually advanced Catholic, such as a future saint, should be able to do the same (please don’t test me; I’m definitely a work in progress).

There’s a reason why some Satanists are keen on getting Consecrated Hosts to use in their rituals — as happened in 2014 in Oklahoma City, until a Catholic lawyer stepped in. If there’s no difference between an ordinary wafer and a consecrated one, why go to all the fuss and bother? Ironically, sometimes our foes give us more credit than our friends.

“The Exorcist” is obviously fantasy — and some pretty ripping horror — but like the original book and movie, written by faithful Catholic William Peter Blatty , it’s got a solid Catholic base to work from.

One other aspect I like is the idea that Father Tomas is being tempted with visions of possible possession victims.  He’s allowed demons access to his mind, and as Father Marcus keeps warning him, these visions may not be gifts from God, but temptations to the sin of pride from the Devil.

After all, nobody goes back to casinos if he or she just loses. It’s the first couple of wins that can get someone hooked. It may be that demons are giving Father Tomas a taste of power and the ability to use it to save souls — just to reel him in. He needs to remember that, while the efficacy of an exorcism depends on the faith of the exorcist, the ultimate power to drive out demons comes from Christ alone.

Thanks to Fox for, so far, serving up good entertainment and spooky scares, while also offering food for thought.

If you’re catching up, the show can be seen On Demand and on Hulu.

Image: Courtesy Fox

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