Today's Reflections
The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs
Mt 8:28-34
28When
[Jesus] came to the other side, 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. 29They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” 30Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. 31The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”
32And 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. 33The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. 34Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
HAVE YOU COME HERE TO TORMENT US. Jesus
crosses over to the territory of the Gadarenes, inhabited mostly by
pagans. The land and the people, pasturing swineherds, two demoniacs
inhabiting the tombs—everything smacks of “uncleanness” in the eyes of
the Jews.
Now
comes Jesus, a prophet of Israel. The demons, with greater power of
knowledge, recognize that he is more: Jesus is Son of God. He has the
power to “torment” the tormentors of human beings. The demons are
subject to his authority. A word from him sends the demons scampering,
entering the herd of swine that perishes in the sea.
It
is often said that if we believe in good, we must also believe in evil.
If we believe that angels exist, we must believe in the existence of
“unclean spirits.” Sin is not due to human failure alone. The devil is a
reality, seeking to destroy us. Peter warns, “Be sober and vigilant.
Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking
for [someone] to devour” (1 Pt 5:8).
Nonetheless,
while we remain vigilant to all forms of demonic assaults, we need not
feel intimidated because Jesus is with us. With humility, faith, and
prayer, we will triumph over the devil.
Guardian angels are sent by God
to protect us from the devil.
Be more aware of your Guardian Angel,
always at your side, to light and guide you.
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