Podcast Summary: Michael & The Exorcist: "I Saw Her Crawl Up A Wall" | Fr. Dan Reehil
Release Date: May 7, 2024
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Fr. Dan Reehil, Catholic Priest and Exorcist in Nashville
Introduction
In this gripping episode of "Michael &," host Michael Knowles engages in a profound conversation with Fr. Dan Reehil, a seasoned Catholic priest and exorcist based in Nashville. The discussion delves deep into the existence of demons, the occult, and the tangible manifestations of evil in today's world. Fr. Reehil shares his extensive experiences combating demonic forces, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the spiritual battles unfolding around them.
The Reality of Demons and the Devil
Fr. Reehil opens the dialogue by affirming the existence of demons and the Devil, grounding his assertions in Christian scripture. He explains the biblical account of Lucifer's rebellion and subsequent fall from grace, emphasizing that demons are not mythical entities but real spirits with intellect and will.
Fr. Dan Reehil [01:38]: "The devil is a real person, a person in the sense of having a will and an intellect. He's a spirit, but he's a person."
Fr. Reehil warns of the Devil's increasing boldness in the modern age, suggesting that his open presence signifies an impending end to his reign.
Personal Experiences and Witnessed Phenomena
Throughout the episode, Fr. Reehil recounts several harrowing encounters with demonic activity. One notable incident involves witnessing a young man levitate off a couch, defying psychological explanations and leading Fr. Reehil to conclude it was a genuine supernatural event.
Fr. Dan Reehil [05:46]: "When I saw this young man levitate off the couch, well, there's my moral certitude that this is not a psychological problem because that can't force someone to come out of the chair on their own."
He also shares a disturbing case of a nun who not only levitated up a 20-foot wall but also displayed immense strength beyond her physical capabilities, witnessed by 2,000 attendees at a conference.
Fr. Dan Reehil [08:00]: "She flew up a 20 foot wall like a squirrel. And 2,000 people at a conference saw it too. So there's the proof that that's not normal."
Impact of the Occult and Modern Culture
Michael and Fr. Reehil discuss the pervasive influence of the occult in contemporary culture, particularly within Hollywood. They highlight how devilish symbols are rampant in mainstream entertainment, contributing to moral decay and increasing susceptibility to demonic influence.
Fr. Dan Reehil [30:04]: "What they do all day is focused on them and being in front of a screen... that's narcissist right there."
Fr. Reehil connects this cultural shift to broader societal issues, such as the prevalence of pornography and the breakdown of traditional values, which he attributes to demonic manipulation.
The Role of Faith, Confession, and Prayer in Combating Evil
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the power of faith and religious practices in resisting demonic forces. Fr. Reehil emphasizes the importance of confession, prayer, and devotional acts as shields against evil.
Fr. Dan Reehil [12:42]: "You have to choose it. There are things out there to help us, but you have to choose it."
He recounts how the sacrament of confession not only absolves sins but also breaks the hold of demons attached to those sins, providing a sense of spiritual and physical liberation.
Fr. Dan Reehil [11:27]: "When the priest absolves the person in the confessional, not only is their soul wiped clean, but the demons are broken off the person."
Stories of Demon Activity and Exorcism Cases
Fr. Reehil shares compelling narratives of individuals plagued by demonic forces. One such story involves a Juilliard violinist who, after making a metaphoric blood covenant with the Devil for fame, spirals into addiction and illness until exorcism restores her health and redirects her path towards honoring God.
Fr. Dan Reehil [19:53]: "She convulses and flatlines and dies. So now the doctor comes back and he's really upset. But then she jumps up off the table, she's back... she's completely healed."
Another poignant account involves a transgender individual whose deep-seated identity issues are traced back to satanic ritual abuse in childhood, culminating in a successful deliverance ministry that restores his true identity.
Fr. Dan Reehil [52:12]: "The demon went insane, screaming these screeches from hell like you could never hear coming from a human."
The Interplay of Good and Evil in Modern Society
The discussion extends to the broader theme of good versus evil, with Fr. Reehil asserting that recognizing and combating evil is essential for preserving societal virtues. He criticizes modern movements that, in his view, align with demonic influences by promoting values contrary to Christian teachings.
Fr. Dan Reehil [48:29]: "This is a mockery of God... this is the greatest affront to attack and blaspheme God that we've ever seen in the history of the world."
Practical Advice for Believers
Fr. Reehil offers actionable strategies for listeners to safeguard themselves against demonic influences. He advocates for regular prayer, vigilance in guarding against temptation, and the utilization of religious sacraments and devotions as forms of spiritual armor.
Fr. Dan Reehil [40:38]: "Ask for the gift. It's that simple... you just have to do your prayers, do your prayers, do your prayers."
He also advises avoiding engagement with the occult and spiritually dubious activities to prevent inadvertently inviting evil into one’s life.
Conclusion
In concluding the episode, Michael and Fr. Reehil reflect on the essential balance between acknowledging the supernatural and maintaining grounded, everyday faith practices. Fr. Reehil underscores the necessity of integrating spiritual disciplines into daily life to combat the pervasive forces of evil effectively.
Fr. Dan Reehil [79:45]: "You have authority over your own person... you can cast things out if they're harassing them."
The conversation serves as a compelling invitation for listeners to deepen their understanding of spiritual warfare, encouraging a proactive stance in defending against the unseen forces that threaten modern society.
Notable Quotes:
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Fr. Dan Reehil [00:00]: "If you start digging into the occult, you're opening a door, and you might not be strong enough to close it. And then you have to call me."
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Michael [01:04]: "When you look at devil costumes at the Grammys... some people still don't believe it."
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Fr. Dan Reehil [04:33]: "A Eucharistic miracle would be in the course of a Mass, when the body and blood of Jesus is transfigured from bread and wine."
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Michael [26:21]: "But then I come to realize pretty much all the smart people were Christians or theistic... 100% of smart people have believed that God exists."
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Fr. Dan Reehil [54:57]: "It's the best way to approach anything with God, is, I am your child. I'm here to serve you and help you with this person."
Key Takeaways:
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Existence of Demons: Fr. Reehil firmly believes in the reality of demons and the Devil, citing biblical narratives and his personal experiences as evidence.
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Supernatural Manifestations: Phenomena such as levitation, speaking unknown languages, and physical assaults are discussed as genuine demonic activities witnessed by Fr. Reehil.
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Cultural Influence: The occult's influence, especially in Hollywood and mainstream media, plays a significant role in moral decay and susceptibility to evil.
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Faith Practices as Defense: Confession, prayer, and devotional practices are crucial tools for believers to combat and resist demonic forces.
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Real-life Exorcism Cases: Numerous real-life stories highlight the extent of demonic influence and the transformative power of exorcism in restoring individuals' lives.
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Good vs. Evil: Understanding and addressing the battle between good and evil is essential for maintaining societal virtues and personal integrity.
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Practical Guidance: Fr. Reehil provides practical advice for believers to protect themselves, emphasizing vigilance, prayer, and avoidance of occult activities.
This episode offers a compelling exploration of the unseen spiritual battles shaping our world, urging listeners to recognize the presence of evil and arm themselves with faith and divine protection.
