Friday, June 19, 2009

The White House fly infestation: a spiritual component?




As reported by The New York Times (see here), the White House is suffering from a fly infestation. This story came out during the same week that President Obama decided to extend federal benefits to homosexual "couples." In Hebrew, Ba'al Zebub is translated as "Lord of the Flies." We read in 2 Kings 1:2-3, 6, 16 how King Ahaziah, after seriously injuring himself in a fall, sent messengers to inquire of Ba'al Zebub, the god of Ekron (a Philistine city) whether or not he would recover.


The prophet Elijah condemned King Ahaziah to die by Yahweh's words since he had sought counsel from Ba'al Zebub rather than from Yahweh Himself. Ba'al Zebub is none other than the Devil, the Prince of demons (see for example Mark 3:22).


Is there a spiritual component to the White House fly infestation? While some will no doubt dismiss the very idea (such people usually dismiss supernatural realities altogether), we should all reflect on the words of the world's leading exorcist, Father Gabriele Amorth, in his book An Exorcist: "..I have seen with my own eyes, that houses suddenly became infested with flies, flying ants, repulsive insects (such as scorpions or other unidentifiable pests), which just as suddenly and completely disappeared after we sprinkled holy water throughout the rooms or exorcized the place." (pp. 156, 157).


Just as Ba'al Zebub was allowed to test Israel's faithfulness to God, so too in our time the Prince of demons roams about seeking whom he may to devour. Is the White House fly infestation evidence of demonic presence and influence there?

21 comments:

Wendy said...

This post is very striking. I never thought about this. Beelzebub is indeed another name for the Devil. And when we consider the agenda which the president has been pushing, abortion, homosexuality, stem cells etc, this really calls for prayer. Great post!

Ellen Wironken said...

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens." I wonder though how many Christians still believe this truth? The temptation is to try to "intellectualize" everything, to have the idea that we are really just fighting against opponents in the material realm. How soon we forget that Jesus first sign (healing or miracle) was the casting out of a demonic spirit:

"And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 'What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, 'What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." (Mk 1: 23-27, Lk 4: 33-36).

When is the Church going to return to a more supernatural sense? In some corners, the Mystical Body of Christ has become so secularized that even clergy (priests and Bishops) have forgotten the words of Saint Paul in Ephesians 6: 12.

Josh S. said...

Ellen, this has become a real pastoral problem. Pope Paul VI indicated as much when he said in a general audience that "This matter of the Devil and of the influence he can exert on individuals as well as on communities, entire societies or events, is a very important chapter of Catholic doctrine which should be studied again, although it is given little attention today." (November 15, 1972).

Very little attention is given to the Devil or his activities or to the demonic element which can influence (as the Pope said) whole societies. When is the last time you heard a homily which dealt with this subject? If your parish is anything like mine, the supernatural realm is considered non-existent and homilies never deal with hard truths. They are more like New Age seminars which encourage people to "feel good about yourselves" and not to worry about "archaic" notions such as sin, repentance, the reality of a personal Devil and so forth.

This is due, largely I think, because so many of the clergy have simply lost their faith. They don't acknowledge the reality of the Devil. How then can they fight him as the Cure of Ars (St. Jean Vianney) did or as St. Padre Pio did?

This has contributed much to the Devil's success throughout our society.

Jerry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paul Anthony Melanson said...

To Jerry,

Please leave me out of John Hosty's private war against Catholic teaching or what has transpired over at Defend the Faith. You might notice that more than a week ago I deleted the link to DTF from my Blog sidebar. I did this because someone who posts there was calling for laws which recognize homosexual unions. Please see my post entitled "The Darkness Spreads."

As I recall, the last time you left a comment at this Blog, you were critical toward me because I expressed mild disagreement with you regarding the subject of prayer and fasting. And you sarcastically questioned my age in a comment which was obviously intended to question my truthfulness.

Now you have left a comment at this Blog (which you have deleted but which I received in my email - I am notified when a comment is left here) which I also find offensive. And which I do not appreciate.

I don't know what your game is, but again, I am not interested. I will only say that I am not involved in the fiasco at Defend the Faith and have no interest in being involved. I deleted the link to your Blog many months ago. I would have thought you would have taken the hint.

If you agree with Renee that we need laws which recognize homosexual unions on some level, that is your affair. I stand with the Church.

Thank you Jerry. Goodbye and God bless you.

Marie Tremblay said...

I know you banned John Hosty from posting comments here several years ago Paul. I think you were wise to do so.

If John believes he can prove that Jay has the same IP address as the person who emailed him, he should produce his evidence. I doubt that Jay would have emailed him though. Not likely.

Michelle said...

Father Amorth says that Satan's influence today is far greater...

Interview With: Fr Gabriele Amorth

Don Gabriele Amorth is an exorcist in the diocese of Rome and the president of honour of the Association of Exorcists that he founded in 1990, and of which he was president until the year 2000. During his stay at Medjugorje in July 2002, he gave an interview to Fr. Dario Dodig.

Fr. Dario Dodig: Don Gabriele, you are exorcist in the diocese of Rome?

Don Gabriele Amorth: I am an exorcist in Rome and president of honour of the Association of Exorcists, which I founded. In the year 2000, we celebrated its 10th anniversary. I was 75 years old and I asked someone else to take over this duty. When Bishops are 75, they are retired, so I did the same!

Don Gabriele, would you be so kind as to tell us what is exorcism?

Exorcism is a public prayer of the Church done with the authority of the Church, because it is done by a priest named by the Bishop; it is a prayer for liberation from the demon, from the evil influence of the demon or of the evil provoked by the demon.

When we speak about exorcism, can you tell us how Satan can influence Christians?

The influence of Satan is immense. Satan acts in two different ways. The ordinary action of Satan is when Satan tempts men to evil. All men, from their birth to their death, are involved in this struggle against Satan who tempts them into evil. Jesus, because He had a human nature, submitted Himself to temptation coming from Satan. Except the ordinary action, Satan also acts in an extraordinary way, which consists in provoking malign troubles, which can go on until satanic possession.

When we speak about possession, how can we defend ourselves from Satan?

We have to first speak about prevention - what to do to avoid these evils. The measures of prevention are to live in the grace of God, to be faithful to prayer and not to do works that open the door to the demon, especially not to do any occult works. There are three main works of occultism: magic, spiritism and Satanism. The one who is dedicated to these things exposes himself to the extraordinary action of the demon.

Is the influence of Satan in the world of today stronger than before, especially his influence on the youth, for example through music?

Today, Satan has free hands. This does not mean that he has more power than in the past, but the door is wide open to him. Primarily, today we live in a period of little faith. It is purely mathematical: when faith declines, superstition grows. When we abandon God, we give ourselves to practices that open the door to Satan. There is no doubt that today’s media have done much in favour of Satan, first by the immorality of certain shows, the abundance of movies showing violence, horror or sex. Except this, media have put in the first plan and have given popularity to figures of wizards and magicians, and so they give publicity to their works.

Anonymous said...

Where is the joy of living on this blog? It seems that all you talk about is doom and gloom when His meesage is one of joy and peace. Take a step back and review what you've written. It's kind of scary!

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

"Where is the joy of living on this blog? It seems that all you talk about is doom and gloom when His meesage is one of joy and peace. Take a step back and review what you've written. It's kind of scary!"

If this blog bothers you so much, there is a wonderful solution. Don't read it. All I talk about is doom and gloom? The same was said about the prophets long ago. Perhaps your real issue is our sin-sick society?

His message is one of joy and peace? And also truth. The truth which sets us free (John 8:32).

What I've written is scary? The truth is often scary. But don't shoot the messenger as they say.

Anonymous said...

"If this blog bothers you so much, there is a wonderful solution. Don't read it."

Wow, you are not very friendly are you? I see you talking about taking Jay off your blog. Then you are telling off another guy named Jerry. Does being a good Christian necessitate being rude?

Christ gave us life and hope. Seems you've forgotten to enjoy His gift. I'd imagine for a doom and gloomer like yourself life is more like a curse. Can you see nothing worth celebrating?

It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.

Michelle said...

Anonymous, now that you've told Paul how rude and sinful he is, perhaps you should find another blog to visit. One which suits your tastes?

Anonymous said...

Thanks Michelle, I'm going to take your advice. There's no place in my heart for hate. He demmands better of His servants.

"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving."

I forgot to cite the above quote: Mother Teresa.

Ann Duclos said...

It's good that anonymous is moving on Michelle. Paul is "too Christian" and "too orthodox" for anonymous. Anonymous would also consider Saint James "rude": "Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4).

Mother Teresa was also very orthodox. She spent much time defending Church teaching and speaking out against things abortion and homosexuality.

All too "negative" and "demanding" for anonymous.

Ann Duclos said...

From USA Today:

"She [Mother Teresa] is credited with helping to break down prejudice against people with AIDS, by opening hospices and fearlessly visiting victims. But some people have mixed feelings about her work in this area.

"What we were arguing... was forget the lifestyle, forget the activity, these are people who are suffering," said Jim Graham, executive director of the Whitman-Walker Clinic, primary provider of AIDS services in the washington area. Mother Teresa's actions reinforced this argument.

But she also brought traditional Catholic views intolerant of homosexuality, he says. And the local sisters running the AIDS hospice have never become part of the area AIDS network."

This article describes Mother Teresa as "intolerant." But ascan be seen through her ministry, she was anything but. She just refused to condone the sin. So does Paul. I guess Mother Teresa was "rude" too.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/mothert/mother01.htm

Liz said...

"Nie obawiaj sie". -Pope John Paul II

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

Be not afraid. But test all spirits. Retain what is good and reject what is evil.

"I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Amanda said...

In the words of mother Teresa, who called homosexuals "friends of Jesus," she said "Jesus loves you always, even when you don't feel worthy. When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes, He is the one who always accepts you. Only believe, you are precious to him. Bring all you are suffering to His feet, only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are. He will do the rest."

You see that Mother Teresa had such a loving attitude towards those who have same-sex attractions, but she still called them to purity.

Unfortunately, the culture today has shoved into our faces THE LIE that if we can't have sex with whoever we want, then our freedom is robbed, we are being judged, and we will never be loved or understood. They tell us that those who have same sex attractions only have two options: sexual promiscuity, or living in the closet in fear. But there is another path, and it is filled with hope. You can read about one man living it out here:

http://www.pureloveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id=7&entryid=237

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

"They tell us that those who have same sex attractions only have two options: sexual promiscuity, or living in the closet in fear. But there is another path, and it is filled with hope."

How true Amanda. And how sad that radical homosexual activists are determined to rob those with a homosexual inclination of hope. Sexual promiscuity doesn't bring hope. It brings despair. Mother Teresa called those with a homosexual inclination to purity. But proponents of the radical homosexual agenda reject purity. They opt for gravely sinful acts and so do grave harm to their relationship with the Lord Jesus (John 14:15). We prove our love for Jesus by keeping His Commandments. Not by opposing them.
We are no longer "friends of Jesus" when we reject His Commandments and spurn His love. For those who have sinned gravely, there is hope. It is called the Sacrament of Penance. Reconciliation with God is the way to peace, hope and authentic love.

Peace will never result from engaging in gravely sinful acts. Peace comes from living a pure life in Christ Jesus.

Strathearn said...

Just picked up this thread and would like to say that, in my opinion, too many Catholics/Christians bury their heads in the sand when it comes to the spiritual realm. We live in a world where there are two realms - the natural and the spiritual and not to be aware of who operates in the spiritual realm simply leaves people open to the demonic spirits who are all too ready to notice them and seek a way into their lives. As Christians we need to have a greater awareness of the battle we are in from the first inception of becoming Christian and that means knowing our enemy. To kid ourselves on that there isn't one leaves obvious dangers. I am involved, as a layperson, in simple exorcism as opposed to solemn exorcism, which can only be performed by a priest, and have experienced enough to know the reality of demonic forces. Waken up faithful and know the tactics of our enemy in order to be able to best apply the victory of Christ.

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

Well said Strathearn. Well said. Please pray for this apostolate.

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