Readings: Hebrews 11:32-40, Ps. 31:20-24, Mark 5:1-20
“They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid… Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighbourhood.” (Mark 5:15-17)
- Jesus said, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move,’ and it will obey you.” (Matthew 17:20). The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of the heroes of our faith in today’s First Reading. They achieved great things: conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the sword's edge, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:33-34).
- Nevertheless, they also suffered: “Some were tortured, refusing to accept release that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated…” (Hebrews 11:35-38). This tells us that we should expect good and bad times as people of faith. It will not be an all-rosy ride.
- Despite all their sufferings, the Letter to the Hebrews says: “And all these, well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 11:39). In other words, these great men and women suffered but did not receive what was promised. They knew they were not suffering for themselves but for the generations coming after them. This is why they were not discouraged.
- Faith is not a passport to keep bad things from happening to us; it is the shield that keeps us going regardless of our circumstances. Do not give up on God when your prayers are not answered. Who knows if you are laying the foundation for generational blessings?
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus cured a demoniac, but in the process, the villagers lost their entire herd of swine. Instead of thanking God that a man had been set free from demonic possession, they mourned over their pigs. Fearing that there might be other demons in the town, they begged Jesus to leave their town. We behave like these people when we push God away instead of counting our blessings. Life is not all about money.
- Jesus would never force Himself on anyone. Just as He left His hometown when the people doubted His divinity, Jesus heeded their pleas for His departure. He got into the boat with His disciples, satisfied that He had delivered one man from demons. If you recall, they encountered a great storm at sea while on their way to this town. The legion of demons tried everything with their power to prevent Jesus from coming. As an evangelist, do not be discouraged when you are rejected. Even if it is just one person you save, it is enough.
- Seeing how the people preferred the pigs to his life, the man who had been cured ran after Jesus, desiring to become a disciple. Still, Jesus said to him: “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19). This is the first time Jesus would tell someone to announce Him to others. Jesus would normally tell those he cured not to mention it to anyone. The best form of evangelisation is telling people what God has done for you.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, strengthen our faith in good times and bad. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 4 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Hebrews 11:32-40, Ps. 31:20-24, Mark 5:1-20).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu