One of the basic principles in an exorcism is to starve out the demons.
A few years ago, we had some cases where the demons actually got stronger as time went on, despite intense weekly exorcism sessions.
In one case, the demons actually razzed me about this. They snidely said (out of the mouth of a different possessed person who was manifesting at the time): "How's it going with [X]?" The demons knew they were getting stronger in that other case, and they were gloating.
Instead of starving the demons out, they were being fed. When this happens, we need to step back and ask: "What is feeding the demons?"
Here are some behaviors that feed the demons:
1) Relapsing into sinful behavior and unholy relationships.
2) Fear of Satan and the demons.
3) Anger, wrath, and rage.
4) Unforgiveness.
5) Believing in false spiritual experiences and spiritual pride.
6) Frequenting shamans and other pagan healers.
7) Divination of all sorts (e.g., Ouija boards, tarot cards, magic, numerology).
When people feed demons in any of these areas, their spiritual state becomes worse. As the Scriptures say,
"[The] unclean spirit...brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself" (Mt 12:43, 45).
But Jesus forgives, and with a proper confession and amendation of life, the exorcism can begin again.
In addition to starving out the demons, it is critical that the afflicted person "feed" their souls with God's "food."
Here are seven solid ways to nourish the good Spirit in the soul:
1) Regular reception of the Sacraments (frequent Eucharist and confession).
2) Daily meditation on the Word of God.
3) Eucharistic adoration and Holy Hours.
4) Daily rosary and other Marian prayers.
5) Fasting and almsgiving.
6) Opening the heart and acts of love to God and Jesus.
7) Deliverance prayers as needed (e.g., Auxilium Christianorum prayers).
A good reflection might be to assess both:
- What am I doing to feed the demons in my life?
- How am I feeding my soul with God's grace?