“God is no longer your Father”
I’ve heard Fr Martins occasionally mention that mortal sins severe our ties with God such that he is “no longer our Father.” Could he say more about this in connection to the “indelible” mark of baptism? How do we best understand the relationship between mortal sin and indelible baptism? Thanks!
Contractual Obligation in the Heavenly Realm?
Fr Martins often discusses how legalistic and contractually-oriented the demonic realm is. Is something like this true at all of the heavenly realm as well, especially in regards to prayer? I’ve heard some theologians suggest one way to understand the necessity of prayer is to see it as our way of permitting God to act upon us (per his covenant) without moving against our free will. That prayer provides God the legal or moral grounds to do what he already wants to do. Prayer as a “trigger clause” in the contract that is God’s covenant with His Church. Interested to hear if Fr. Martins thinks there is anything to that?
Possession for years
Hello Father and Ryan! In horror movies/books one of the cliche motivators to do an exorcism is because if the demon is too long in the victim, it will kill the victim. Like with a disease the victim’s health and wellbeing drastically decreases until they die. Is there any truth to that? What does happen to people who are possessed for years and don’t (or haven’t previously) sought liberation?? Many thanks, Paddy.
Possession for years
Hello Father and Ryan! In horror movies/books one of the cliche motivators to do an exorcism is because if the demon is too long in the victim, it will kill the victim. Like with a disease the victim’s health and wellbeing drastically decreases until they die. Is there any truth to that? What does happen to people who are possessed for years and don’t (or haven’t previously) sought liberation?? Many thanks, Paddy.
Deacon Blessings
I feel like I might be called to the Diaconate. I've read some disparaging comments on their ability to bless items specifically with a book of blessings Deacons receive. Can Deacons exorcise salt and water in say the old rite or what blessings can Deacons use? Are there any specific books of blessings you can recommend?