The Exorcist Files - S2-Case #13- "Eye of the Holder"- Pt 1

Episode Date: November 6, 2024

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where we relisten to past episodes and cases, and Father reflects back on insights and anecdotes he just didn't have time to get into in the podcast. To subscribe, head on over to exorcistfiles.tv and sign up, or just click the link in the show notes. Again, that's exorcistfiles.tv to get access to the vault. Hello, Exorcist Files listeners. So yes, today you get a new dramatic episode.

First, though, I want to give you a serious reminder. This episode is intentional. and listener discretion is advised. It contains scenes depicting physical violence, mature themes, and some language. Okay. So you're still listening? All right. You've been advised. Now, before we get to the drama, we do want to say we are very excited because it's almost that special time of year, which means Exodus 90s Advent challenges coming up. Listeners will remember that Father Martins recommends this as an incredible spiritual formation tool for men and even helped lead the St. Michael's Lent this summer. This year, University of Mary President, Munsignor James Shea, will lead the challenge

and help members rediscover the real reason for the season, not just Christmas presents, but the actual presence. So go to Exodus90.com slash X-Files. That's Exodus 90.com slash EX Files to learn more about Advent on the Exodus 90 app, starting December 1st. Join fellow brothers and find new freedom today. And with that, let's get on. with the show. Warning, this episode contains scenes depicting violence and crass language. It is not suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

And where are you going? I'm going out. Now? I'm meeting some friends. You can meet them later. You're having dinner with your mother. You've been gone every night. I'll eat later.

Justin, enough of this attitude. You're eating with me. Get your hands off for you. Get excuse for a mother. You. What are you doing? What's the way? Now get the fuck out of my way.

I said get the fuck out of my way. Welcome back to the Exorcist Files, the Spiritual Warfare Podcast, the demons rate, zero stars. That opening was pretty fierce, huh? While this next case file is one of the most intense we've produced, so buckle up. While our regular listeners know that almost all the cases we should, we should, share from Father Martin's own personal archives. Father wanted to share this account with you because of the unique lesson it offers. This episode zeroes in on the Exorcist team. Exorcism is not a solitary experience. It's a team sport. As a reminder, listener discretion is advised. This is not

suitable for all audiences. And as another reminder, if you'd like to support the show and get access to the special case behind the case episodes where Father offers captivating additional content on his cases, you'll want to head over to exorcistfiles.tv to subscribe to The Vault. And so, in the opening phrase of every great exorcism scene, let us begin. Here is Father Martins. One of the questions I am often asked is why demons desire to possess, why they desire to inhabit. Demons love to inhabit and not just people, but also places and things. A home can be demonized. A work can be demonized. Curst objects are objects that are, by definition, demonized. Evidently, possession gives the demons a measure of peace. It relieves some of their pain.

Our Lord points out in the 12th chapter of Matthew that when a demon leaves someone, he experiences distress and elevated suffering. I say elevated because demons are. are always suffering. They were created for glory, and in their eternal ever-present choice, they are forever rejecting that glory. Unable to fulfill the purpose for which they were created, they experienced perpetual pain and misery. It's hard for us to wrap our heads around this. Imagine a lifelong benefactor who provided for all your needs, and those of your loved ones, asking nothing in return. This benefactor builds you a perfect home tailored to your tastes with stunning views and exquisite details.

It was made just for you. Now picture yourself burning this gift to the ground for no reason other than the fact that it exists. Yes, such an irrational act of destruction pales in comparison to the immense irrationality of the devil and his demons rejecting the divine kingdom. But to put it in perspective, it is not the gift, the divine kingdom, that they torched. It was themselves that they torched. Evil exists, friends. We've all experienced it, and at times we've all tried to understand it. But at heart, there is no explanation.

Evil is pure insanity. The following case happened to a priest colleague of mine, whom for reasons of confidentiality I'm going to call Father Wyatt. And it puts into relief a matter of great spiritual importance, preparing for an encounter with the devil. Father Wyatt is a seasoned exorcist with whom I collaborated on a couple of cases. He had a possession case involving a 19-year-old man who had joined a gang that used black magic as a way to spiritually protect itself.

When he left the gang, the man began exhibiting strange behaviors that ultimately called for an exorcist. Like any exorcist, Father Wyatt has a team to assist him. An exorcist's team is worth its weight in gold. Each team member, from the secretary to an intercessor to a holder, not only contributes to the success of the exorcism, but the personal support he or she offers the exorcist keeps him grounded and sane. A holder is a man who restrains the possessed victim to prevent violence.

Generally speaking, each exorcist will have several on hand to use within a session. For me, the minimum amount is three. One to hold each arm and one to hug the legs. But I like to have at least one substitute in case one gets injured or succumbs to exhaustion. Gary was a man that Father Wyatt had called upon on two previous occasions when he was short of help. He appeared to be unfazed by what occurred in the room. He demonstrated a solid Christian faith, had a poised demeanor, and simply did his duty

quietly and professionally. While the cases were very mild and had no violence, being a thick, muscular weight trainer with a black belt in martial arts, Gary's strength was equal to an oxes, and because of this, the team appreciated his presence. This bed has missed you. Not just the bed. What time is it? I can't remember the last time I slept eight hours.

What? Well, baby, we didn't sleep much. Oh. See, this is why I should never leave. Leave it. I'm sorry. Oh, leave it, baby. I got to get it.

It can work. It can leave. could be important. Hold on. Hold on, girl. This is Gary? Oh. Hi, Father.

No, no, it's fine. This just isn't the best time right now. A holder? For what? Tomorrow. This is kind of, you know. It's rather. Yeah, yeah.

So, Father, um, I, I've been away a bit from, Jenny. I need to spend some time with my family. What about Eric? Could he do it? That's fine. I get it. I'll be there. Sure. Sounds good. Thanks. What was that all about? Oh, a friend of mine needs an extra pair of hands for something. Wow. Well, I could use your hands now.

Father Wyatt calling to get an exorcism with just 24 hours notice seemed hurried. I was curious about timing and scheduling. Father Martins has shared in the past that exorcists guard their schedule very carefully. So what was going on here? An exorcist is protective of his schedule and avoids being rushed into unplanned exorcisms. There are a number of reasons for this. For one, of course demons want you to drop everything and engage them at a time of their choosing when it's convenient for them and inconvenient for you. If they can disrupt your schedule,

they disrupt you and your entire ministry, your staff, your victims. In dropping everything else on your schedule for an unplanned exorcism, what you are saying is, everything else in my life is unimportant. In other words, you're letting demons determine the value of the happenings in your ministry and life. Secondly, a demon will come at you when he is strongest, not weakest. If he is making a challenge now, it's not because he thinks he will lose. It's when he figures he can cut you a good one. In agreeing to his timing, you are giving him not just the advantage of surprise, but also strength. Third, a hurried exorcism puts strain on your team. An exorcist's is dependent on his team member's generosity.

They are volunteers who are sacrificing time for the good of the ministry. To interrupt their lives at odd times is inconsiderate and rude. Even asking them can be unfair. A priest's request is not like someone else's. People feel less free to say no to a priest than someone else. Because of their respect for his office, they are reluctant to turn him down. Fourth, in hurrying an exorcism, an exorcist risks being short of the manpower he prudently needs.

Tracking down everyone on a team takes time. And it's just a fact that for some it may be impossible. The opt-shot is that some will not be able to make it. Nevertheless, in a frenzy. You put the wheels in motion to make it happen, and, yeah, at least some of your team is coming. but it may not be as many as you need. In such a situation, it would be tempting for the exorcist

to go through with the exorcism short of manpower. Father Wyatt is a seasoned exorcist who knows these things and avoids rushing. Justin's exorcism was not a hurried one. It was planned, measured, and calculated. Unfortunately, one holder had to cancel and Father Wyatt could not find

another team member available. So it was either find someone else or cancel. No one ever wants to cancel an exorcism. Father Wyatt especially didn't because the subject, 19-year-old Justin, finally agreed to undergo exorcism after rejecting it for months. Father Wyatt was pulling all the stops to make it happen. Father Wyatt asked Gary because of his physique and because he had helped in two previous cases. but also because he knew Gary well.

Gary was a parishioner of Father Wyat's, and Father married Gary and his wife, and the three of them had become great friends. Once a year the two men went hunting together, and Father never missed Gary's Super Bowl party. For many of us, when we watch films about exorcism or see it portrayed in the media, thanks in particular to the movie The Exorcist,

we tend to think of the God's side as consisting of a priest, perhaps an assisting priest, and the victim. but a lot more people are involved. Among the most important are the holders. According to Father Martins, ideally there is a holder for each arm, one for the legs,

and an individual or two on standby who can swap them out and allow them arrest. Exorcism sessions can go on for hours, and if a demon keeps trying to deliver punches and kicks, a holder's job can be exhausting. You want folks who are ready to swap in since holding can be on par with the most demanding physical workouts.

One can't help but one, wonder if there's a gatorade commercial to be made about this. If you walked into the room during one of my sessions, you would typically see six to eight people. Besides me, you would see a secretary taking notes and documenting happenings, intercessors praying for the victim's liberation, and of course, several holders. If I can get them, I desire a second priest and a deacon or two to assist.

Well, it's true that an exorcism is merely a skirmish in an already decided war. that is to say God has already defeated Satan. When we go into that room, there's a battle to be waged. It's a battle that is governed by God's sovereign will, one that will unfold exactly in the manner he desires. But it is a battle that he once fought nonetheless. Hey, don't go. Duty calls, my dear.

Well, when you get back, I'll have a surprise for you. Oh, yeah. You're bad. More than you know. Stop, okay, leaving. Bye. Hot stuff. Hot stuff?

Really? Yeah. Okay, that may be the worst pet name ever. Well, I like it. Okay. Hot stuff. Rolls off the tongue. See you next time.

Hot stuff. That's so lame. Bye. You hope your trip went super well. We can't wait to see you tonight. And, you know, I'm actually making your favorite tonight. There's some ribs in the crop pot and some sweet potatoes. Yeah, I'm just out running some errands.

So let me know what time you're going to be home tonight. I am so excited to have my husband back. Okay, I love you. See you soon. Bye. Oh, what the hell? Gary, Gary, Gary. Sadly, Gary had a wife and child,

but was involved in an adulterous affair with another woman. They met through work, and like many of these things, it was a slow and steady descent into trouble. Long hours on a project turned into drinks, which turned into dinners, which eventually turned into dinners, which eventually turned into, how do you like your eggs in the morning?

On this particular day, Gary had told his wife he'd be away on a two-day business trip so he could go spend time with the other woman. He promised he'd be home that Friday afternoon. One day before, however, Father Wyatt roped him into an exorcism. Gary was, by most accounts, a good man. Like many entangled in sin,

he knew what he was doing was wrong, and the pain of the guilt was there, but the taste of sin is sweet, and he found himself in bondage to it. The illicit relationship he was living in was exciting. It was a rush and a departure from the monotony of everyday life. He had a sexual chemistry with his mistress, and while he loved his wife, intimacy at home was had maybe once every few weeks.

Gary's wife was a good person and a great mom. mom, but by the time she was done with work and the kids' needs, there was nothing left for Gary. Although he knew it was wrong, he found himself unable to end the affair. Gary needed some time to think. He had a couple of hours before he had to go home and decided to head to a park and go for a jog to burn off some steam, hoping exercise would numb some of the angst he was feeling. He finished his run near a drinking fountain situated near a small, grove of trees. He sat down on a park bench to catch his breath and just think. At that moment, he was startled by a man's voice. A homeless man approached him from behind asking for money.

Hey, brother, can you help me out? No. Like, I'm sorry, I don't have my wallet on me, but, uh, oh, here I think, uh, yeah, here you go. Dollar? What can I? What's what's gonna do with this? Sorry, that's all I have, man. Too, too good for me? Have an ATM card? Wow. Okay, look, man.

I was just trying to help. Chill, dude. You must think you're something. Hot stuff. What did you say? You must think you're hot stuff. But your time is coming. Oh, your time is coming.

Lord, they die. What? I mean my time is coming. Amen. Father Martin's here. I want to do a quick plug for one of the most powerful tools I've seen for breaking free and growing closer to Christ. Exodus 90. The Exodus 90 challenge begins this year on January 20th.

But this isn't just a 90-day program. Exodus 90 is a spirituality for modern men that is built on three ancient. pillars, prayer, self-sacrifice, and fraternity. We all long for something more. We long to be the men God created us to be, sons of a loving father. It's time to turn away from our idols. It's time to break free from the pharaohs that hold us in bondage. If you're ready to make a fresh start and embark on a journey to uncommon freedom in Jesus Christ, then download the Exodus 90 app today. This is your chance to break free, refocus, and rediscover who God is calling you to be in the new

year. It starts January 20th. So go to exodus 90.com slash X-Files to learn more about Exodus 90. That's Exodus 90.com slash X-Files to join tens of thousands of men for all over the world for Exodus 90. Again, it begins Monday, January 20th. God bless you. Gary was stunned.

It had to be coincidence, right? It jarred him. Gary arrived home that afternoon and was greeted by his wife Jenny and his son James at the door. It was a punch to the gut. That evening, Jenny made a nice dinner for them. They enjoyed small talk and watched TV. Jenny sensed something was off. A woman's intuition can be formidable.

She knew something was amiss. After their dinner, Gary went upstairs and put James to bed. And then he looked up into the sky, and he said, Good night, stars, good night air, good night noises, everywhere. Daddy. Yes? Could we do a prayer for you one more time? Oh, buddy.

That's so sweet. Of course. But we prayed for me already. But we need to do it again. And why is that, little man? Because sometimes I need to ask mommy three times for ice cream, so I need to ask God three times to keep you safe. Thank you.

That's... Beautiful son. Okay, dad, repeat after me. Now I lay me. Now I lay me. Sometimes nothing can pierce a heart like the innocence and goodness of a child. The interaction with his son wrecked Gary. For the sake of his family, he knew he had to end the affair.

Everything he loved could fall apart in an instant. While he gave up on finding excitement with his wife, he loved her, and he knew she loved him. The thought of her finding out gave him anxiety, and the thought of his family being torn apart made him nauseous. In the morning, Father Wyatt arrived at the church at 10 a.m. To prepare for the exorcism and pray. Normally, on game day, the team assembles to review the case,

pray and strategize. This was especially important considering the exercise, expedited timeline of this session. While each exorcism follows a similar template, each case has unique variables which need to be considered. Lord, I kneel before you, and thank you for all that you are. I thank you for what you're doing in the world, in the church, in our lives. I ask that you speak to us today, guide us, be with us in the battle, and most of all set just and free. Mother Mary, pray for us, guide us.

Holy Spirit, grant us your power and wisdom. In Matthew chapter 17, our Lord tells us that some demons can only be expelled by prayer and fasting. The instructions within the right of exorcism not only remind the exorcist of that, but also exhort him to induce others to do the same. 2500 years ago, the ancient Chinese military strategist, Sungzu, famously wrote in his treatise the art of war, that a battle has already been decided before it begins. Such is also true of exorcism.

God is the sovereign ruler of all. He knows the outcome of the fight and when it is that the victims find liberation, whether today, tomorrow, or several years from now. Nevertheless, an exorcist and his team prepare and fasting in prayer are essential to this. Also essential is going to confession. Having a pure soul free of mortal sin is critically important

because mortal sin prohibits the protection afforded by one's baptism. Mortal sin means you belong to the devil and dwell in his kingdom. As such, not only will the exorcist's words be ineffective, but confronting the devil while simultaneously belonging to him, subjects one to his horrific wrath. It is absolutely critical, not just for the priest, but for the whole team to have gone to confession before the exorcism. You don't go into a session without preparation.

The Holy Spirit speaks and provides wisdom and revelation. In my private prayer times, I have often felt the Lord grant an insight, a word, or a verse, or an image, that has been helpful for someone's liberation. As Father Wyatt paced and prayed, he intuited that the Lord was giving him a word. The scripture verse, This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased, kept coming into his head. The meaning, at least as it applied to Justin, was not obvious to him.

But he wrote it down and continued praying. If this means anything, he thought, the Lord will make it known. As a quick refresher, private revelation refers to thoughts, impressions, or images that God grants to an individual. It is separate from the general revelation of Scripture, which applies to the whole church. This is basically what Father Martens is referring to when he's praying and feels that a certain word or verse comes to mind. It, of course, could just be a random thought, but it also could be God. Christianity teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells within Christian believers and can communicate a personal message to us. Jesus says in John chapter 10, my sheep hear my voice, and Romans teaches that we have the mind of Christ.

While the extent and manner of how God speaks to believers today, especially in his private manner, is debated, he'd be hard pressed to find a Christian tradition that believes God doesn't at least place verses from Scripture on people's minds for specific times and purposes. Father Wyatt finished praying and went into the parish's conference room where he would meet with a team before the session. A few minutes later, team members began arriving. Emily, who served as secretary, was the first. The secretary records more than just who is present at the exorcism. She preserves the demon's words, his reactions to the prayers, and the dynamic of the session as it unfolds.

This is not for posterity's sake, but so the team can be reminded of what occurred in the session. Over time, subtle patterns can reveal themselves, and the notes are helpful at identifying them. Furthermore, the notes can reveal something that the exorcist and even the rest of the team misses. Under the duress of the session, a demon may reveal the names of numerous other demons who also possess the victim or who assist the possession in some capacity. Knowing these names is critical, as a name is also an identity. and an identity is a target.

Knowing a name, an exorcist can direct his prayers against a specific demon or call him forward for interrogation. A secretary will alert the exorcist if he omitted calling out any specific demon and confirms that the rights of each one have been revoked. Leaving any rights unchecked prevents the victim's liberation. Every door must be shut. Emily was a focused and prayerful woman. She could quietly sit across from a raving demon and no take, all while calmly talking to God.

There's Emily. Thank you for being here. Happy to be, Father. What's the coffee situation? Way ahead of you. It bruise as we speak. Love it. Anything I can do?

Sure. Can you put some waters out, check the fridge for diet sodas, the usual? Yeah, I can do that. I'm on it. Thanks, Emily. Father, Emily, hi. Deacon, there he is. Hey there, Deacon.

Spent a minute. How are you? I mean, it's Saturday, and I'm here to help liberate someone. That's sad. Great. Did the Lord turn the water into coffee? Great minds. Coffee's going. Good. Good to have you with us, Deacon. Good to be here. Deacon Charlie had worked with Father Wyatt in many of his cases, and the two were good friends. The other holders arrived, and they all grabbed cups of coffee and waited for Gary, who was running late.

It's getting close. Should I call him, father? Would you? I think we should just get started. But at that moment, Gary came through the door, apologized for being late, and took a seat next to everyone else. He looked disheveled, like he hadn't slept very much, despite the late morning start. Gary, nice of you to join us. You must have had a lot to confess this morning. Sorry, everyone. One of those mornings, you know.

Good to see you again, Gary. Coffee? Father was just about to brief us. Seriously, though. Thank you all for being here and for giving up your Saturday. With everyone present, Father went over the case details. Okay, everybody, we will be praying for Justin Adams, age 19. And his mother, Tammy, will be here in about 25 minutes.

I've known the family for several years. They're my parishioners and they attend Mass here. His mother first came to me when Justin was in severe bouts of depression following his father's death from a drug overdose about eight years ago. Tragic. I talked with him. I prayed with him. He's a sweet kid.

But his father's death really hit him hard. And he's battling some serious depression himself now. Unfortunately, about a year ago, Justin fell in with the local gang. And I don't know what their interest was in him. It's all very strange. But for some reason, he started hanging around with them after school. Well, his mother got on him for it, but he ignored her. She hoped it was just a phase, but unfortunately his involvement deepened.

Six months ago, it came to a head when Justin was arrested with several members of the gang for robbing a convenience. store. He was let off with some community service, but since then, he's exhibited increasingly strange behavior. The most disturbing is his incredibly violent outbursts and tirades of insults when he's challenged in any way. Anyway, one night it got so bad that his personality completely transformed on the spot. And he beat his mother so badly that she was hospitalized. He left her with a guy and two broken ribs. She said this was the first time he had heard anyone. When she got home from the hospital, she called me and asked me to come over.

And this is where it gets really interesting. She showed me a brown box with a bunch of framed photos of Justin and his dad. Every one of their window panes was cracked down the middle. That's so sad. So he broke them off? That was my guess, but no. So who did? Great question, Gary.

I have one here. What do you see? Huh. A broken pane of glass inside a picture, Fran. But how was it broken? One crack down the middle? Exactly. Now, look at this one.

Looks the same. This one? The same. Exactly. Each break is vertical, running straight down the pane. But there is exactly the same length of glass to the left of the brake as there is to the right. identical.

Sounds like old scratch, father. Might be. I mean, the kid could have just used a glass cutter and ruler to mark and break the glass. It's easy enough to do. It doesn't prove anything supernatural, right? I would agree, Gary, but for one thing. These breaks all happened at once, and while Justin was gone, he wasn't even home. Tammy had just gotten home from the hospital when all the pictures of her deceased husband were thrown to the floor all at once.

each pain shattering the exact same way. Anyone who's broken glass knows the chaotic and random order of a break. Even if you were to etch a break mark on a frame's glass, what are the odds each picture frame of a particular person would randomly fall at exactly the same time? What do we know about this gang he belonged to, Father? Not much. We think the robbery was part of an initiation.

Justin said that they made all new members, commit a crime. But there was also a ceremony where they swore allegiance to the leader. Justin said he was blindfolded, thrown into the trunk of a car and driven to some house. They let him down into a basement. And when they took the blindfold off, they put a gun to his face. Oh, my gosh. Everything in the room was decorated with grotesque art. And there was an altar with a candle and a skull. Wow. They made him cut his hand and let a drop of blood fall on the skull.

while repeating an oath. That's carrying me. He remembered one line, and it was something to the effect of, I was no one, but now am one of many. Jeez. Wow. So, of course, that's the obvious doorway, and we'll start there. But he doesn't remember much else from that day, so we don't know what else could have gotten in.

Yeah. And one more thing. Justin is a huge kid, 230 pounds and extremely strong. Gary, you and the holders are going to have your work cut out. Oh, please. I can handle some kid. All right, team, that's about it. We have ten minutes before I expect them.

I do have to ask, did anyone not make it to confession and still needs to? I'm... I went. I'm good, father. Okay. Well, then let's pray until they arrive, and let's send this demon back where he belongs. One may ask, why? everyone needs to know the facts of the case when it is the priest who conducts the exorcism.

Don't holders just hold, intercessors just pray, and secretaries just record. Not at all. In an exorcism, all team members participate in making God incarnate in the room. In addition to their assigned roles, each team member prays and listens intently for a prophetic word or an image from the Lord. Such prophetic insights can be worth their weight in gold. In fact, I remember one occasion a team member got a word from the Lord that changed the game for us during one particularly grueling session. Father, increase this demon's pain tenfold for each time he continues to disobey. Demon, tell me what rights you have.

Help with you. Take your prayer book and wipe your up. with it? What rights do you have? Father, I think I'm getting an image. Shut up, Skank. What is it, Carrie? I don't know if this means anything, but I keep seeing an image of a yellow brick house, a tire swing on the front lawn and raised flower bags.

Because she was still learning to operate in the prophetic, and because the image made no immediate sense to her, For several minutes, Carrie just kept tossing it aside. But because it kept returning, she finally decided to make it known. And it led to a huge breakthrough. No. How would you know? Help, it can't help.

It means nothing. Nothing. Nothing can save this one. It turned out that the house was that of the victim's babysitter, who looked after him 30 years prior. As a seven-year-old, the victim was raped by the babysitter's brother, who also lived in the house. To that point in the case, we were at a loss to discover the rights of the demon and had performed numerous exorcisms without them becoming known.

But when the image was put forward, the demon went wild. His becoming unglued at the mere mention of the house was a major clue. When we mention it to the victim after the session, he knew exactly which house it was. He hated it because he was hurt so badly inside it. But he had never drawn the connection between the house and his possession, because the possession only showed up years later. He had no idea they were related. Father has mentioned there is a lot more going on in the room than just issuing commands and reading from the right.

When Father says it's grueling, you may wonder why. It's actually not surprising when you hear what the team is responsible for. During a session, there is lots I am doing. I will read formal prayers, recite scripture, interrogate the demon, analyze his answers, issue him commands, speak to the victim, apply relics and invoke the saints, and direct team members. But at the same time, while all this is going on, I am also judging the progress of the session, binding any demonic attacks against me or the team, monitoring mood and atmosphere changes in the room, watching for the demons switching out with one another, guarding against

their trickery, and, very importantly, I am guarding myself against a demon's attack so that I don't go home with a split lip or a groin injury. Regular listeners will remember that I once had to have two surgeries on my skull to repair the damage sustained during a session. all the while while while all of the above is happening I am also listening for the Lord's guidance

for a word or image he may be speaking because if and when the Lord has direct input it's a game changer so to miss it is tragic Psalm 23 says so our eyes are on the

Lord our God till he show us his mercy I want every member of my team doing exactly that. I need them focused on God such that if God makes a move, they are immediately attuned to it. Because if I miss something, I need them not to. For that reason, I highly value team members who are gifted with charismatic gifts. Everyone on my team has the grace of baptism,

and baptism imparts extraordinary spirit. virtual gifts. I need every team member to put his or her particular gifts in the service of our common goal, the victim's healing and liberation. I may be performing the right, but my team's awareness and sensitivity is essential. All of them need to be one collective set of eyes and ears. Father Wyatt shared the background of Justin's case not just for the team's safety, but because Justin was big and strong and because he had already been violent with his mother, but also because such information can aid the team in interpreting what is happening in this session and what the Holy Spirit has to say about it. To be clear, when Father states that he relies on his team to help

with the case's discernment, he is in no way saying they are co-exorcists. Team members are never to speak directly to the demon, either by issuing a command and especially answering question. The rules within the right of exorcism state that individuals who are admitted to the exorcism should be urged to pray earnestly for their afflicted brother or sister. They abstain, however, from using any formula of exorcism. These are to be pronounced only by the exorcist. Essentially, if a team member feels like a word or discernment has been given to them, they are supposed to let the exorcist know. It's akin to the role of a nurse during surgery, a critical role to be sure, but it is the doctor, not the nurse.

who directs the surgery. Because Gary seemed a bit quieter than usual, Father Wyatt pulled him aside to make sure everything was all right. Gary, thanks again for being here. How's Jenny? She's good. Well, you've met her. She's perfect.

She is, man. Hold on to that one. You've got a great woman there. So, what's this going to be like? I mean, last time was pretty tame. Scott guy? We were lucky with that one. That was the tamest demon I've ever seen.

But this one, Gary, I'm telling you, this guy's, he's already been rough. So be ready. I don't know. This is all just so strange. You honestly think something crazy is going to happen in there? Hey, it might. It's happened before. But God's got our back.

Remember, we're on the winning side. Yeah. Yeah. So, hey, father, I, I, I, um... Yeah? Never mind, it can wait. But would you mind if we talked next week, there's something I'd really like to catch up about. Of course.

First round's on you. Gary, are you okay? Yeah, yeah. I'm good. I just didn't sleep much last night. Now, it seems baffling to me that Gary, Gary didn't disclose to Father Wyatt what was happening. Perhaps he justified it by resolving to do it afterwards. I mean, how many of us have rationalized putting off something difficult

or embarrassing until later. Also, I can't imagine looking in the eyes of a spiritual father and knowing the pain it was going to cause. One could justify that it was best to wait, especially since they were about to go into battle. We can't know for sure, but perhaps Gary reasoned that he had started the reconciliation process to God in his heart. Both Protestants and Catholics agree that there is a reconciliation process that starts with a sinner confessing to God and in their own heart repenting. This is very important. But of course in Catholic and Orthodox theology, there is an important next step. And this is a step that Father says is absolutely vital before ever contemplating doing an exorcism. Humans fall into one of only two camps.

You belong either to the kingdom of God or you belong to the kingdom of darkness. Every one of us starts out in the wrong camp. I've discussed in previous episodes, and all the time in interviews on spiritual warfare, that when we come to be, we belong to the kingdom of darkness. At the moment we are conceived, we are met with the penalty of original sin and become the legal property of the devil. The evidence for this is that before Christ, each and every soul, both the holy and the wicked ended up in hell.

The wicked were there forever, but the righteous were there until if and only if, a Messiah would come to set them free. Here's a sobering thought. St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, he was in hell. St. John the Baptist, Moses, the prophets, they were all in hell, awaiting a Messiah who would set them free. That's how serious a redactist. original sin is. Following the sin of Adam, all humans, bar none, were destined for eternal ruin. Jesus came and presents us with an offer to end the fatalism of human existence. But it is merely an offer and we are free to reject it. Committing a mortal sin post-baptism is that very rejection. friend if you walk into an exorcism and you are not on god's team you are in for a world of hell you cannot strike at the master who owns you without your master breaking your hand and he'll probably break more besides

in the old testament hell is a subterranean realm called shiel where the righteous and unrighteous go basically a place known generically as the grave or underworld in the new testament however hell is fleshed out of out as a place of torment, suffering and eternal separation from God. To Father Martin's point about the righteous being imprisoned in hell before Christ's arrival, several verses in the New Testament speak of a Christ descending into hell to liberate those imprisoned. The clearest is First Peter 319, which declares that Jesus descended to preach the news and liberate the imprisoned spirits. Scholars have different interpretations of this verse, and while we can't know for sure what they were experiencing before Christ came to liberate them, for example, where they siloed off or asleep, as Samuel says to the medium who conjures him,

it is clearly implied, though, that Christ united them with God. Regardless of how you interpret it, you for Shiol, want to avoid separation from God. To be clear, one does not have to be in mortal sin to go to confession. receiving the sacrament of confession imparts sanctifying grace, which is the highest form of grace. To receive sanctifying grace is to receive the very life of God. One does not need to be in the state of mortal sin to go to confession and receive a new dose of sanctifying grace. I say this all the time, and it is worth saying again. One confession is worth a thousand exorcisms.

One other point. While this is not necessarily discussing spiritual warfare, there is a verse in scripture that points towards the prioritization of getting right with others before going into the presence of God. In Matthew 523, Jesus admonishes about reconciliation, saying that before offering God something, if you have something against someone or vice versa, then leave your gift at the altar and go and be reconciled first. It's an interesting dynamic. In our zeal to serve God, we can neglect some of Christianity's most crucial principles, like forgiveness. Serving God in prayer and deliverance ministry is great. Tithing is great.

Fasting is great. But if you are harboring unforgiveness or have something going on personally and are violating God's law, take care of your heart first. Tammy, Justin, thank you for being. Justin, Deacon Charlie will get you some water and show you to the chapel. Tammy, can I have a word, please? See you soon. Love you, honey.

How are you? Fine, I guess. Nervous. It's in God's hands. He's with us. And I wanted to ask, would you be willing to be in the room praying with us? You don't have to, but if you're willing,

I want his mother to pray for him. I think it will help. Father, I've been praying for that boy since before he was born. And I will be in that room praying when Jesus sets him free. Amen. So with that a few things. Hmm.

Okay. We never know what's going to happen in there. If a demon manifests, do not look him in the eye. Do not talk to him. Do not listen to anything he says. He will say terrible things. I mean, you've heard the outbursts. but he knows every emotional soft spot and he knows how to go after him.

He's the father of lies. Please remember that. Understood, father. Now let's get my boy free. Father Wyatt led everyone into the chapel. Justin was quiet and unassuming. They took their places. Gary got down on his knees and took hold of Justin's left arm.

It was true. Despite Justin's youth. appearance and sounding like a kid, he was strong. Gary knew, if a demon manifested, it would be a workout. Okay. Everyone ready? Yes, Father. Justin, you good to go? Yes, Father.

Then let us begin, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Lord, you created Justin in love, and we praise you for that. And now he is ensnared. If that is the case we call that demon to attention now, make him come, Lord. The exorcism began without fanfare. While in popular cinema and in some of the cases we have profiled, the demons manifest instantly in the first session. In most cases, that is not what occurs.

Demons want to evade exposure and typically do not show themselves until the weight of the church's commands are too much for them. and then they switch from hiding to lashing out. But remember, to this point, Justin's demon is still hoping we all just give up and go home. Just as Gary got into place, Justin turned his head as if to cough and meet Gary's eyes. There was a glance exchanged, but it felt like an eternity to Gary. Justin smiled for the briefest second. it was the creepiest smile Gary had ever seen.

Then he whispered words that sent it chilled down Gary's spine. Gary's blood ran cold. It's not uncommon for demons to play mind games, but this one was directly referring to his adultery. Gary should have stopped and told Father the whole matter then and there, but he didn't. His pride and shame got in the way. Maybe Gary felt the train was.

leaving the station and he just had to get on board. Ironically, all he had to do was pause for five minutes and he could have confessed and gotten back to work. Pride is a beast. Holy Mary Mother of God. Pray for us. Holy Archangels Michael, Rayfield, and Gabriel. Pray for us. All you holy angels of God. Pray for us. Saint Philomena. Pray for us. St. Peter. Pray for us. St. Paul. Pray for us. The right of exorcism begins with the litany of saints where the entire heavenly court

is asked to intercede on the victim's behalf. That's part of what makes a solemn exorcism so efficacious. Not only is the priest praying under the authority of Christ, but he is calling down, like holy air support, every member of the body of Christ, and targets the enemy with him. it's pretty awesome to behold Holy Lord

Almighty Father everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who once and for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell who sent your only begotten son into the world to crush that roaring lion hasten to our call for help

and snatch from ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and likeness Strike terror, Lord, into the beast Now laying waste your vineyard Fill your servants with courage To fight manfully against the reprobate dragon Lest he despise those who put their trust in you

And say with Pharaoh of old, I know not God Nor will I set Israel free Let your mighty hand cast him out of your servant Justin So he may no longer hold captive This person whom it pleased you To make in your image And to redeem through your son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

After the litany of the saints and some additional prayers and readings from Scripture, the priest may command the demon to expose himself if the demon has not done so already. Interesting tidbit here. Father Gabriel Amorth said that in the thousands of exorcisms he has done, many times nothing happened at the beginning. So apparently even for him, it was not just curtain up, And then the action starts. Justin remained calm throughout the beginning of the exorcism. But after another 15 minutes of praying, his eyes rolled back into his head.

He seemed to be in a trance. And that same sinister smile that Gary had seen spread across his lips returned. The curtain was up. Looks like we have company. I call you to attention. Identify yourself. What is your name? The room suddenly turned to ice, a temperature drop you don't even find in nature.

Whoa. Hope you brought your jackets, folks. Suddenly, Justin tilted his head back, opened his mouth, and a geyser of profanity-laced screeds bellowed forth from him. If they move with me, can you? Thinking you might not be condemned. You, folks, what are you going to do, out of your little bitch? Enough! Shut up, demon.

You will speak only one asked to, and then you will answer truthfully and in full. Hello, mother. Shut up, demon. Tell me your name. On the one by which I will call you and by which you will respond. And then the smile returned across Justin's face. Eerie and creepy, menacing. Most of you, father.

I command you. you, your name, demon. Ro, priest, no formalities. That monster that controls, that devour to the deep, that ancient death below the stuff. Leviathan is a sea serpent demon mentioned in several books of the Old Testament, including the Psalms, the book of Job, and the book of Isaiah. Leviathan is often depicted as an immense creature of the sea who is the embodiment of chaos. Father Wyatt, however, was not intimidated.

Whether it is a demon named Leviathan, or Fred, both are nothing compared to God. Okay, Leviathan, how did you get in? I don't think you want me to leave. It would be so much worse for you if I do. Browd, ship-faced police. Silence, Leviathan. Team, pray with me. I'm a surprise for you.

Well, folks, we have to put a hold on this story, but you'll have to tune in next week to find out how Leviathan shakes out. We hope you enjoyed this episode. And if you haven't, do pre-order a copy of Father Martin's book from Father Carlos Martens.com. The man is out there fighting demons all day, and this would help him tremendously. Go on, help an exorcist out. Go to Father Carlos Martens.com and click to buy the book that has the invisible realm all up in arms. See you next time, folks. To keep in touch with us and get some of our

anointed merchandise, you can visit our website at exorcistfiles.tv. You can also email us absurd and overly specific criticisms at ExorcistFiles at gmail.com. All cases are recounted by Father Carlos Martens from his personal archives. The role of Father Wyatt was performed by Charlie Goodwin, the adorable young man by Micaiah Levi Kerserman, the woman in bed with Gary, April Langley, The Deacon Charlie by Jonathan Langley. Gary by Danny Fenceld. And Justin by Justice Dallinger. Justin's mom by Michelin Hill.

The Homeless Man by Jay Garenger. Father Martins by Paul Leach. And Emily by Emily Timmer. Music and scoring by James Cavell and Tom Staley. Mixing, mastering, engineering, and all that incredible sound design by Dan Blesinger and Michelle Martinez. Executive producers are Ryan Bethay and Father Carlos Martins. See you next time.