4 ways to keep the devil away

After an exorcism, how does a person prevent the devil from returning? In the Gospels we read a story that describes how an exorcised person was then visited by an entire legion of demons, who tried to return to her with greater strength (see Mt 12, 43-45). The rite of exorcism expels demons from a person, but does not prevent them from returning.

To ensure that the devil does not return, the exorcists recommend four ways that will hold the soul of a person in peace and in the hands of God:

1. Attend the sacraments of confession and the Eucharist

The most common way a demon can enter someone's life is through a habitual state of mortal sin. The more we "divorce" from God through sin, the more susceptible we are to an attack by the devil. Even venial sins can affect our relationship with God and expose us to the advance of the enemy. The confession of sins, then, is the main way we have to put an end to our sinful life and start taking a new path. It is no coincidence that the devil has tried fiercely to discourage St. John Mary Vianney from hearing the confession of hardened sinners. Vianney knew that a great sinner was coming to town if the devil tormented him the previous night. Confession has such power and grace that the devil must turn away from a person who attends this sacrament.

The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is even more powerful in wiping out the influence of the devil. This makes perfect sense, given that the Holy Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ and demons have no power before God himself. Especially when the Eucharist is received in a state of grace after confession, the devil can only go back to where he came from. St. Thomas Aquinas confirmed this in Summa Theologiae when he wrote that the Eucharist "repels all attacks from demons".

2. Consistent prayer life

A person who attends the sacrament of confession and the Eucharist must also have a coherent daily prayer life. The key word is "coherent", which puts the person in a daily state of grace and relationship with God. A person who regularly converses with God should never be afraid of the devil. Exorcists always suggest to possessed people that they have strong spiritual habits, such as frequent reading of the scriptures and reciting the Rosary and other private prayers. A daily prayer program is extremely useful and puts demons with their backs to the wall.

3. Fasting

Each of us must discern what type of fasting he is called to practice. For us who live in the world and have many responsibilities (like our families), it is not possible to fast enough to neglect one's vocation. At the same time, if we want to keep the demons away, we must challenge ourselves to fast beyond the fact of giving up chocolate in Lent.

4. Sacramentals

Exorcists not only use sacramentals (the rite of exorcism is a sacrament), but they tell possessed people to use them often. They are a powerful weapon in the daily struggle to avoid the return of the devil. Exorcists suggest not only to keep sacramentals at home such as blessed salt and blessed water, but also to bring them with you wherever you go. Sacramentals like the brown scapular also have great power over demons. The venerable Francesco Ypes recounted how one day his scapular had fallen. When he put it back, the devil shouted: "Give up that custom that steals so many souls from us!"

If you want to keep evil powers away, take these four methods seriously. Not only will they prevent the devil from having power over you, but they will also put you on the path of holiness.