7/1/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel Reading: 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.
7/1/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel Reflection / sermon / homily: Matthew 8:28-34
The encounter between Jesus and the two possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes reveals His authority over evil and His desire to restore human dignity. These men had become isolated, feared, and separated from society. People had given up on them, but Jesus had not. With a single command, He brought freedom and peace. Yet, surprisingly, the people of the town valued their material loss more than the miracle that had taken place and asked Jesus to leave their region. This story reminds us that Christ comes to liberate, but we must be willing to welcome His transforming presence.
To remember this message, let us use the word DRIVE.
D – Discern What Truly Matters
The townspeople focused on what they had lost instead of celebrating the healing that had occurred. Sometimes we become so attached to possessions, comfort, or personal plans that we fail to recognize God’s blessings. True wisdom helps us value people more than things.
R – Receive Christ’s Healing Power
Jesus sought out those whom others avoided. No one is beyond His mercy. Whether our struggles involve fear, anger, addictions, painful memories, or spiritual weakness, Christ desires to bring healing and freedom. We need only open our hearts and allow Him to work.
I – Invite Jesus Into Every Area of Life
The people of the region preferred their old way of life and asked Jesus to depart. We face the same choice. Sometimes we welcome Jesus into church but hesitate to let Him transform our habits, priorities, relationships, or ambitions. Genuine faith means allowing Him to enter every corner of our lives.
V – Value People Above Possessions
The loss of the herd became more important to the townspeople than the restoration of two human lives. Our world often measures success by wealth, status, and possessions. Jesus teaches us to recognize the incomparable worth of every person. A compassionate heart values people more than profits and relationships more than riches.
E – Embrace the Freedom Christ Gives
Christ did not merely remove evil from the lives of those men; He restored their dignity and gave them a new beginning. The Lord desires the same for us. He calls us to leave behind whatever enslaves us and to live in the freedom of His love. Freedom in Christ is not simply doing whatever we want, but becoming the people God created us to be.
The Gospel challenges us to ask an important question: When Jesus enters our lives, do we welcome Him or resist Him? The Lord comes not to take away our joy but to restore it. May we always DRIVE our lives toward Him: Discern what truly matters, Receive His healing power, Invite Him into every area of life, Value people above possessions, and Embrace the freedom He gives. In doing so, we will discover that no loss can compare with the gift of having Christ dwell among us.
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