It was weird sitting in the office of the archdiocesan exorcist and sipping tea.
From the moment Nate Granger, my psychiatrist, referred me to Father Breton for what I assumed would be some gruelling deliverance experience, I was dreading this encounter.
But I wasn't prepared for the way in which the good father gently reassured me and informed me I wasn't demon possessed.
That statement alone put me at ease, but I was by no means out of the woods―being demonically oppressed was not exactly a light matter.
Breton gave me a toothy grin and said calmly, "Dr. Granger informed me you slept with this woman who no doubt was demonized and that opened up a doorway for evil spirits to attack you."
I nodded glumly, "I've always had a weakness for beautiful women."
"Most men do, Gray," the old priest chuckled, "and fortunately, having sex with a woman doesn't always result in this type of situation. But I think it's probable that the woman had no evil intention toward you but was a victim herself."
I wanted to assure him I was being cautious and would not see her again..
"I informed the university that I was taking a medical leave of absence and I have no intention of having any kind of relationship with this woman going forward."
Breton nodded, "that's a wise precaution, but as long as you don't succumb to her charms and become intimate with her, you needn't fear demons will jump off her and enter you. I understand that she was one of your graduate students and avoiding her may not be as simple as you think."
I was taken aback by the priest's apparently casual attitude.
"I don't mean to question your authority in this matter, Father, but considering what happened wouldn't it be prudent to avoid any contact at all with her?"
"We live in a fallen world, Gray, and it's not as simple as treating spiritual threats as you might quarantine yourself from a contagious disease. We're called to live in the world and have to learn how to deal with evil. There's not a devil around every lamp post and trying to avoid evil by hiding behind he altar is actually a heresy called angelism.
"What do you suggest I do then?" I moaned.
Again, Breton patted my arm consolingly, "I'll teach you how to take authority over evil spirits and put on your spiritual armour which will protect you against all the wiles of the enemy."
"I'm not trying to suggest that you're not in danger," the old priest continued, "because the devil prowls around like a ferocious lion seeking whomever he can devour. But, you're not without spiritual weapons of your own and they are mighty and able to pull down the most formidable strongholds."
"Are you suggesting I can even continue to work with my graduate student?"
Breton's toothy grin flashed once more, "Not only interact and work with her, Gray, but you might possibly even be able to help her. But first, we have a lot of work to prepare you for this task."
"Then, let's get to work," I smiled....
I felt a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I could breathe freely again.
