The Rite

Newest exorcism movie, “The Rite”, is about a young seminarian, Michael Kovak, whose lack of faith leads him to the Vatican, where he takes a two month course about exorcisms. While in the Vatican, he is instructed to become the new apprentice of Fr. Lucas, (Anthony Hopkins), who is an experienced veteran exorcist and has successfully completed thousands of exorcisms. Through demonic experiences while with Fr. Lucas, Michael finally finds true faith.
While this movie is based on the true story of Fr. Gary Thomas, real life Catholic priest from the Diocese of San Jose, California, it has been twisted to fit the big screen.
Many Catholic Christians in this modern day Church are afraid of the topic of demons and exorcisms. It is somewhat of a taboo topic, driving most Christians to stay away from movies like “The Rite”. Some Christians do not even believe in demons, Satan, or the power of evil.
“He who does not believe in the devil, does not believe in the Gospel.” Pope John Paul II
Whether we like it or not, Satan is real, and his demons, and evil forces are very active in this culture of death that our whole world seems to have accepted as the “norm”. As our recently passed Holy Father points out in the quote above, the devil is very much alive, and we must know this, accept it, and use our belief in the Gospel to fight it. The salvation message in the Gospel alone should be enough for us to combat the evil forces active in our society. But as if that weren’t enough God gave us the Holy Spirit, and as Catholic Christians, we are baptized, we are temples of Christ. As shown in the movie, possessions are real, but “Be not afraid”, for your temple is full, it is full of the power of Jesus Christ, and the Holy spirit. And as if that was not enough, God gave us the Eucharist, and when we consume the Body of Christ, there is no possible way, that our body could share a Christ and a demon. For Christ is more powerful than Satan can ever be; it says in James 2:19:
“You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble.”
So while we have good reason to fear the devil, we have even more reason to not be afraid, to embrace Jesus Christ and the message he brings in the Gospel. Open your hearts to Christ and nothing can stop you.