George Leo Haydock, on Tob 6:19

“And on that night lay the liver of the fish on the fire, and the devil shall be driven away.”

“Lay. Greek adds, “some of the heart….and make it smoke, and the devil shall smell, and flee away, and shall not return for ever.” (Haydock) — This is contrary to reason, say our adversaries. But though devils be incorporeal, may they not be affected by certain bodies, as our souls are when our limbs are hurt? The angel chose this sort of usual exorcism, that those who were present might be convinced of the devil’s departure. As the devils abuse the works of the creation, it was convenient that they should be punished by them; as they submit to magical operations, they must feel the power of such exorcisms (Houbigant) as are authorized by God and his Church. (Haydock)”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.