A reading taken from the gospel of Matthew 8:28-34
28 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.
29 They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”
30 Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.
31 The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”
32 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.
33 The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs.
34 Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
Reflection: The Demons in Us
It is a fact that the demons inside us and among us are at work to confuse and torment us. These demons, whether we look at them as strong negative emotions such as guilt and fear or as real works of satan, are powerful forces. If our faith is not strong, these forces would destroy our sense of well-being.
Our gospel tells the encounter of Jesus with two demoniacs. The latter recognized the divinity of Jesus and pleaded not to destroy them. Eventually, the demons were banished to the sea where they were drowned.
The swineherds saw what happened and ran away. The people who heard their story became so afraid of the divine power in Jesus that they begged Him to leave.
This is what happens when we lack knowledge and faith. Sometimes, when we don’t like the message, we become hateful of the messenger. Jesus comes with the message of hope and deliverance but instead of welcoming and appreciating the good news, many people cover their ears and let their fear and guilt take over. Worst, these present day demoniacs drive away or even persecute the heralds of the good news.
Our reading shows us that the power of the Divine is in control and at the end of the day, the good wins over evil. This is our source of hope.
