Francesco Trevisani "John the Baptist baptizing Christ"
After years of practicing New Age spiritualities and several forms of yoga, "N" now experiences much demonic oppression and obsession. Her mind and affect are darkened and foggy. We have been praying over her for some months and she is slowly getting better. Recently, she has been having demonic attacks in her stomach area. I suggested she drink some holy water. She did so and was happy to share with others her experience:
As I felt attacked by demons in my stomach area, I drank three or four big sips of
the holy water. The effect was almost immediate. I was flooded with a strong and
very clear light from above. The light pushed all the darkness away from me for a
moment, it was a physical sensation. Then I felt my mind clear and I could
suddenly feel that I was more myself again. I realized that I had forgotten what
that is like.
The fog in my mind cleared. I got a new perspective. It seemed like my brain was
functioning at normal level again. Everything seemed light, saying "bathed in
light" wouldn't be an exaggeration. A wonderful sense of peace and clarity filled
my whole home. I felt very grateful and impressed that just a sip of holy water
could be this powerful.
Most people do not have such a profound experience using holy water, but her reflection is a good reminder of the importance of sacramentals, especially holy water. I often recall a similar quote from St. Teresa of Avila's autobiography (chpt 31):
“From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again….For my own part, whenever I take it, my soul feels a particular and most notable consolation. In fact it is quite usual for me to be conscious of a refreshment which I cannot possibly describe, resembling an inward joy which comforts my whole soul. This is not fancy, or something which has happened to me only once, it has happened again and again and I have observed it attentively….”
These might seem to some as exaggerations, but it is good to recall some important things about holy water. Water is an essential of life and stimulates life; there is no water in hell. Water is an essential part of baptism and holy water ought to remind us of this foundational sacrament. Holy water is a sacramental and its power comes from the authority and power that Christ gives to his Church.
Shouldn't we all have holy water readily accessible and use it often? It certainly puts devils to flight and refreshes the soul.