Q: I was given a ticket to see a medium for my birthday by a family member. There is a group of people going, and the event is in less than a week. I hadn’t thought anything of it until, while listening to a Bible podcast, a priest mentioned that seeking a medium is sinful and against the First Commandment. My question is this: Is attending the event sinful? While I am not specifically seeking a medium, I realize I would be putting myself into a situation where there’s potential for a reading whether I want it or not. I don’t want the family member to be offended if I reject the gift, but I won’t willfully enter a sinful situation. Thank you for your guidance. – T.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: Going to a medium is strictly prohibited. It violates the commandment about loving God above all things.
The Catechism in No. 2116 says:
“All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to ‘unveil’ the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.”
Just going to a medium could be scandalous and fuel this family member’s problems (and those of the group). Your attendance could imply either a belief in mediums or a carefree attitude toward them.
The family member who gave you the ticket might not have intended any evil. But in this case ignorance is not bliss.
It might be good to have a heart-to-heart with the relative and charitably explain that recourse to a medium isn’t fun and games. It is offensive to God and can open the door to evil forces.
Put another way, you should worry less about offending the relative and worry more about offending Our Lord.
On a positive note, this is a teaching moment. Handled well, it can stave off big problems down the line.
It might be good to pray for this family member first and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
For related reading, see the 2020 letter from the bishop of Rockville Centre. And count on my prayers.
