I clean houses for a living and when I was at a client's house today some strange things happened. A door slammed shut and I just had the feeling like I was being watched. I have had this feeling in the past at this particular client's house, but shrugged it off. Well, today, I texted the client asking if he happened to stop home while I was there but didn't say hello. He said no he was at work. I told him, jokingly, that I couldn't help but think he had a ghostly friend in the house. He said, actually, YES there is a friendly spirit living there. An old woman who died in the house years ago. I wasn't necessarily afraid, but, immediately became very aware of my surroundings. I even was compelled to "Chat" with her...not asking her to "show" herself, but, maybe to please just leave me alone so I can do my job.
I am a very devout Catholic and try my best to go "by the Book" in regards to my Faith. However, I am always learning something new. My question is: What does the Catholic Faith believe about situations like this? Is it "sinful" to talk to the spirit? What created this spirit? Was it God, or Satan? Is it true that a Spirit can "attach" itself to a person and follow them wherever they go? Please help educate me on this for I would like to know the "do's and don'ts" when dealing with this the next time I clean for this client.
Thanks in advance!
Was there an open window anywhere in the house? That will cause doors to slam. (Not saying there's NOT a ghost, but I just want to throw that possibility out...)
Next time, go around and look at the windows, just in case.
Dawn
Don't be too concerned about the reaction from the church. If you can feel the spirit of this woman you are a medium, like it or not. In this life this is the gift you have been given. It may not be your only gift but it is one of them.
The Catholic church is full of the opinions of men, many do not follow the teachings of The Bible. The Bible says to not pass judgement on others, but the church brands certain groups of people as sinners because the Church does not agree with their decisions. Gays, divorced people who re-marry, some musicians, and actors, psychic/mediums are branded as sinners. This makes no sense to me. For instance you do not see the Church banishing a divorced person who has a live-in girl/boy friend but if they get married they are excommunicated (sp) because they are seen as adulters.
Being a medium is a gift, same as being a musician or writer. It is no different. We are told over and over again "not to hide our light under a basket" meaning use the gifts we are given. Yet mediums are seen as sinners.
As far as dealing with this particular ghost or spirit. You can talk to her. Tell her you are only there to clean the house and you hope she likes the job you do. Ask the man who lives there what her name is so you can call her by name. You can also ask her to not move your supplies, or slam doors while you are there. She will leave you alone if you ask nicely.
Read this
http://www.gotquestions.org/psychics-Christian.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/ghosts-hauntings.html
then this
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/dinosaurs/ghosts.html
I don't know what the Catholic Church says about ghosts, but I agree with the previous links. I believe that ghosts are demons pretending to be loved ones (or some other random person) to deceive people.
The word of God (in the Holy bible - read Deuteronomy 18:10-13) strongly condemns psychics and the like. Now why would God do that? Because God knows what's behind it and God wishes to protect his creation.
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15
Psychics & mediums (astrologers, reiki healers, etc...), sadly, are fooled. They don't realize what they are dealing with. I know because I was fooled for 10 years, seeking psychics and astrologers for advice, dabbling in New Age (which I now know is the occult). I thought it was all good, with benevolent "spirit guides" who wished to help me. What I eventually realized is all it was was a guise to keep me away from seeking a relationship with God.
In the Bible read Acts 16:16-37 (you can google it) where Paul and Silas are imprisoned. I love that whole section, especially the end. It brings tears to my eyes. It's a beautiful story of grace. (If you or I were beaten with rods and falsely imprisoned, would we sing? Would we sing hymns? Would we praise God? No, probably not, that is not the way of the world, but these men did. And see what happens in the end.) From Acts 16:16-24 - there is a slave girl, possessed with the spirit of divination. Paul and Silas know what's behind this. Well, I don't want to ruin it for you. Read for yourself what happens.
check out this woman's story. She is a former astrologer, now she's a Christian.
http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/
Kristine McGuire is a former ghost hunter. She is the author of a new book "Escaping the Cauldron".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4IIrFUtm30
As far as the Bible being written by a bunch of men, I used to think that too. Then I took a Bible Study Fellowship class and my jaw dropped. All my preconceived notions flew out the window. I am so happy to be able to read this book for myself and not be intimidated anymore. There is truth all over it, the various authors saying the same thing. It's pretty remarkable. It's basically a handbook on how to live your life, God's way. I'm blown away by the wisdom and love of God.
Hi J.,
I think you may want to speak with a priest about this issue, as I doubt any of us are practiced in spiritual warfare and can adequately discern whether this is a good or evil spirit. Your questions are very good and important ones, and your instincts to be cautious are right on the money. One of my high school theology teachers was a priest who assists in exorcisms, and from what I learned from him, the devil is so cunning and can make evil spirits appear to be good ones.
I urge you to talk with your parish priest, but there is also a good priest here in the Chicago area who has a website where he answers questions. He is a frequent contributor/host on "Relevant Radio" (a national Catholic radio broadcast). His name is Fr. Richard Simon, and his website is http://www.rev-know-it-all.com/ . You can search to see if a similar question has ever been asked, and if not, submit your own question. I asked a question about a year ago and he answered it for me within a few days.
May God bless, and keep you safe!
ETA: I totally agree with Debra about praying for the soul. This Friday is All Soul's Day, so maybe this spirit needs some prayers to help it be released from Purgatory.
I have never been taught that there is anything wrong with the concept that spirits may be around. I can't find anything specific in the catechism (from searching online) but here are a couple of things I found:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=14715
http://www.osv.com/TCANav/TCAQuestionoftheDay/Sept8142007...
Yes, the church does recognize the possibility that ghosts exist. Some priests will even try to exorcise ghosts. It is believed a ghost is a soul in pergatory. If you feel compelled to do anything for this soul, I'd suggest praying for it. Might just be what it needs to move on.
Here you go. http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=68370
I am catholic and I have always taught my kids that ghosts might possibly be angels from Heaven. I truly believe this after seeing a "ghost" that I believe was my grandma, coming back to check on her new great-grandbaby. What a wonderful visit from my son's guardian angel!
