A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (8:28-34)
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes,
two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.
They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.
They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God?
Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”
Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.
The demons pleaded with him,
“If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”
And he said to them, “Go then!”
They came out and entered the swine,
and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea
where they drowned.
The swineherds ran away,
and when they came to the town they reported everything,
including what had happened to the demoniacs.
Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus,
and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
REFLECTION: “and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.”
When I was in my early 20s, a close friend of mine invited me to a weekend retreat, called Cursillo. I offered him several excuses for why I couldn’t attend, or would not benefit from it. While I offered my friend, one excuse after another for several years, due to my fear of the unknown, little did I know, I was cutting myself short of so much to be gained from this retreat. Such as: understanding of the Catholic faith, fellowship, spiritual enlightenment, healing, etc. Such things are priceless. About 10 years later, my friend relocated out of state and I never heard from him again. Several years later, God, who never gives up on us, sent another of His messengers to invite me, AGAIN, to a Cursillo retreat, at which without hesitation, I told him “Sign me up!” The rest is history.
Regardless of age, experience, or spiritual maturity, everyone can use a spiritual change, a transformation of one’s life, while on our journey here on earth. There is always more to learn and experience. Anyone can surely benefit by taking time away, from the normal pace of life, and into a time of spiritual growth, and personal reflection.
There are a number of excuses that one can offer, for not accepting or allowing a spiritual change/transformation in one’s everyday life. Most are weak at best, and usually, the main obstacle is fear. Once those fears are addressed, and relieved with some logical reasoning, most people are much more open, to allow a change in their everyday life, but sadly, that percentage is very low.
There is also a spiritual lesson for us, from the symbol of the tombs, in the beginning of today’s Gospel narrative. The tombs symbolize our struggles, sin, and the things that may cause us to feel lost or alone. We all experience moments, when we feel trapped in desperate situations, spiritually frozen by the weight of our circumstances, or the burdens we bear. When we reflect on the demon-possessed men in today’s Gospel, we can identify the despair that can accompany struggles with addiction, depression, or other battles that seem impossible to overcome, and may keep us in darkness and unwilling to find the light, change, transformation. However, the arrival of Jesus, demonstrates, that there is no darkness He cannot illuminate. Whether in our lowest points or in everyday life, we can reach out and turn to Him in faith, knowing He can break the chains that keeps us down.
In conclusion, the story of the unclean spirits, highlights that Jesus does not merely seek to restore physical health, but aims for complete transformation, in every aspect of our lives. His act of casting out the spirits, reaffirms His mission to “seek the lost, heal the sick, and liberate those in bondage” (Luke 4:18). The overwhelming love and healing Jesus demonstrates in this encounter, invites us to reflect on our own struggles, and the importance of allowing Him, to transform our hearts.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Place yourself before God, The Son and The Holy Spirit/The Paraclete, and ask for help, to guide you in your ways, and in how you ought to pursue them. We are weak and sinful and closed to change. Do not let ignorance lead you down the wrong path, nor partiality influence your actions. Allow God, to transform your heart.
AUDIO REFLECTION:
