Possession by the devil is often narrated in the Bible, and, from the way the story is told, as in Luke's account today of one case of possession, we can tell that possession is not a mere fictional or psychological phenomenon. Possession always requires one's consent and cooperation. The more one cedes, the deeper the devil takes hold of until one surrenders oneself totally to him. Thus the demon becomes one with the possessed. The great majority of us will never come across case of diabolical possession, but we must realize that the devil is at work, propagating the many forms of evil which afflict our society. Though we see the ever-growing power and influence of evil in today's society, we should never lose confidence, hope and peace, because God is much more powerful than the devil for he alone is God, the only creator, the Almighty, and with him everything is possible. While diabolical possession itself, if and when it does occur, is totally abhorrent, it is a phenomenon in which God can reveal power and mercy. If the Lord is with us, who dares to touch us?