In today's first reading, Shimei curses, accuses, and continues to pursue King David. This is what the devil does, accusing us constantly (see Rv 12:10). The Gerasenes in today's Gospel reading also chose the ways of the devil over the ways of the Lord. They preferred a man possessed with a Legion of demons (Mk 5:9) and a road closed to the public (Mt 8:28). In fact, when the Gerasenes saw that this man was "fully clothed and perfectly sane," they were seized with fear (Mk 5:15) rather than rejoicing at his healing.
Jesus brought the Gospel, freedom, and sanity to a town, and the townspeople begged Him to leave (Mk 5:17). This is not rational behavior. The Gerasenes did recognize Jesus' power; they just didn't want any part of it. They preferred fear and dysfunction to liberty and new life.
Are you "seized with fear"? (Mk 5:15) Is there any area of your life in which you prefer the familiarity of dysfunction to the changes required by freedom and life "to the full"? (Jn 10:10) In tomorrow's Gospel, Jesus will bluntly state: "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). Present your fears to Jesus. Beg Him to stay and heal.
| PRAYER: | Father, fill me with that perfect love of Yours which casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:18). |
| PROMISE: | "You, O Lord, are my Shield; my Glory, You lift up my head!" –Ps 3:4 |
| PRAISE: | Inspired by the Lord, St. John Bosco resolved "to rescue young lads from evil ways and to train them in an honest trade." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College