Jesus Christ had and does have massive power to confront demons. He is God, the demons are creatures. Remember the exorcism of the man at Gerasene, afflicted by numerous demons. With a word, Jesus commands this army of demons to come out of the man and to go into the pigs. He can do the same for our world today.
Did you know that families can have demons attacking them? According to exorcist priest Father Chad Ripperger, a Doloran priest in Denver, Colorado, some families have “bigger dudes” attacking them than other families do. This can happen for more than one generation in a family until God calls someone in the family to help “to cleanse” the family tree.
You, dear single brother or sister in Christ, could be the one God has sent to help cleanse your family tree. God wants you and your family to develop virtue. Where there is pride, God calls us to humility. If there is hatred, God calls us to love, where there is greed, God calls us to generosity. When selfishness is present, God calls us to unselfishness.
Do you feel stuck in the single years? Your answer to finding your vocation might lie in further healing that you need in your life. Are you praying for at least a half hour a day? For singles, the prayer habit is absolutely essential. You’re also called to keep your soul pure and free from mortal sin.
This isn’t a new idea – in fact, it’s a concept we encounter in the Bible. According to the book of Tobit, Tobit cried out to God, “Punish me not for my sins, nor for my inadvertent offenses, nor for those of my fathers,” he implored God. “They sinned against you, and disobeyed your commandments. So you handed us over to plundering, exile, and death, till we were an object lesson, a byword, a reproach in all the nations among whom you scattered us.” We read in Scripture about the healing of the family tree. Tobit says: “Yes, Your judgments are many and true in dealing with me as my sins and those of my fathers deserve.” In this verse, Tobit is speaking about himself as well as his ancestors.
We’re called to take responsibility for our lives, forgive ourselves, and forgive our ancestors. Jesus Christ is the truth, and the truth can set us free. As singles, God wants to set us free from areas of bondage, blockage, and addictions. He is a God who wants to heal us. Do you want to cleanse your family tree? Here are seven things you can start doing right away:
1. Have Masses said for your family
Maybe you have not been able to move into marriage because you struggle with an addiction. Christ can set you free. One of the greatest sources of blessings from God is the Holy Mass. One thing you can do to cleanse your family tree is to have Holy Masses said for your ancestors and yourself. You might be surprised – some of your ancestors may have been in purgatory for a very long time.
Your family, including those who are deceased, need your help. If they are in Purgatory, they cannot help themselves. An example of someone cleansing their family tree is found in the story of priest who struggle with alcoholism. He had Masses said for his ancestors in Ireland visited their graves. He later discovered that his ancestors in Ireland had stolen land from someone. After the Masses were said for the ancestors, the priest’s struggle with alcoholism diminished.
2. Pray for healing in your family tree
Another way that you can help heal your family tree is to pray for your family. In a prayer written by Father John Hampsh, he writes “Free all living and deceased members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage.” He also prays for forgiveness for the sins of those who have gone before us, and asks for special powers for family member’s guardian angels to protect, guide, heal and encourage each member of the family in times of need.
You can find the entire prayer for family healing here.
3. Remember the power of fasting
“The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways,” the Catechism of the Catholic Church states. “Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and alms giving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification bought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity which covers a multitude of sins.”
Perhaps you can start with a small fast. Don’t worry if you don’t do it perfectly. Maybe you have to add in some coffee or Diet Coke or even have peanut butter on your toast. Maybe you can fast from things other than food, as well. Social media, time watching television, or even music in the car can be offered up as a fast. You can offer the fast for yourself, for your own healing and deliverance. With determination, you will get better at fasting.
4. Ask the God to bring you a breakthrough
If you need a miracle in your life, you can ask God for one. Saint Teresa of Avila writes that we “pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him.” If healing your family tree seems impossible, ask the saints and angels to intercede for a miracle for you.
5. Develop the habit of praying the prayer to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit knows God’s plan for your life. The third person of the Trinity is an amazing advocate if you invest in a relationship with Him. Although He’s the also the most misunderstood person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is a good guy! Let him into your life.
Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. After all, you are a sanctuary of the the Holy Spirit. Prayers to the Holy Spirit each day are helpful as well.
6. Persevere
If your family tree needs healing, this isn’t an overnight process. Healing your family tree is a process which may take some time. Ask God to help you throughout the process – He loves you and wants to set you free.
7. Petition Saint Raphael and Saint Michael for healing
In Hebrew, Saint Raphael’s means “Divine Healer.” The angels are wonderful companions and want to help us in so many ways. Both Saint Raphael and Saint Michael are known for healing. The Saint Michael prayer is something you may be familiar with, but do you know this prayer to Saint Raphael?
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the “medicine of God” I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (here mention your special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
