Readings: Genesis 21:5,8-20, Ps. 34:7-8,10-13, Matthew 8:28-34
“All the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood.” (Matthew 8:34)
In today’s Gospel passage, the two demoniacs felt offended by the mere presence of Jesus in their territory. They cried: “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time?” Notice that these were the exact words the demoniac spoke in the synagogue (cf. Mark 1:24). Why do demons try to challenge Jesus? Light and darkness cannot mix. The presence of light is a threat to darkness.
If God is in you, demons will be highly uncomfortable in your presence. The demoniacs knew Jesus. Be an authentic Christian. You gain nothing by living a double life or deceiving others. In Acts 19:13-16, we read that “some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, 'I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.’ Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit said to them in reply, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’ Then the man with the evil spirit leapt on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house naked and wounded.”
As it happened in the synagogue, Jesus went about His regular business in the temple, but the demoniac spoke first. They say empty vessels make the loudest noise. Knowing they are empty, they try to scare you. St. John tells us, “Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). If demons succeed in making you scared (doubt God’s power), they have gotten an upper hand.
Fear is the devil’s number one weapon. You carry a higher power, but when you are scared, you become like a giant running from an ant. Now, I see why the Bible repeats the phrase “Fear Not” or “Do Not Be Afraid” more than fifty times. I also see why Jesus was disappointed with the disciples for panicking when they faced a storm at sea. “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). Why should a giant be scared of an ant?
Once the demons sensed that Jesus was not afraid, they began to beg. “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.” When you stand on your authority, demons will surrender. Why did Jesus heed their plea instead of destroying them? Remember, they asked Jesus, “Have you come to torment us before the time?” If demons are still operating in the world today, it is because their time hasn’t come. When would their time come? Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his authority.” (Acts 1:7).
Demons are spirits; they don’t die, but they move from one host to another. (cf. Matthew 12:43-45). This is why we must ensure our bodies remain temples of God and never give room for demonic possession. St. Paul says, “Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?” (1 Corinthians 6:18-19). Engaging in acts of sexual impurity is not “fun” as the world wants you to believe. It is the devil’s way of getting you under his control. It makes you hostile to God or anything related to God, just as the demons were hostile to Jesus.
When the villagers saw what had happened, they were not grateful for the healing of the demoniac; instead, they were concerned about their economic loss. They begged Jesus to leave their neighbourhood, fearing there were more demoniacs within the community. They valued material riches more than spiritual wholeness. Like these villagers, we also beg Jesus to leave our spaces (family, work, school, business, etc.) directly and indirectly when we do not pray, do not keep God’s commandments, pursue sensual (indecent) entertainment, or even deny God’s existence.
Jesus agreed to walk away from their town peacefully. God will never force His way into your life if you do not make Him welcome. We all have a choice: to be possessed by the Holy Spirit or to be possessed by evil spirits, such as lust, materialism (greed), wrath, pride, envy, gluttony, and sloth.
In today’s first reading, God finally fulfilled His twenty-five-year-old promise to Abraham. This story teaches us the power of patience. If God has said it, He will do it. Trust Him, and obey His word; do not try to “help” yourself by getting involved in sin. This was Sarah’s mistake. When she saw Ishmael playing with Isaac, she regretted her impatience, wishing she could take back the hands of time. At this time, it was too late. She sent Hagar and Ishmael away, but God, seeing their innocence, provided for them. God promised Hagar that Ishmael, being a son of Abraham, would be a great nation. Do not be too quick to put food in your mouth, lest you put it in your nose. Trust God and be patient with Him; your time will come.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we never be so blind as to push you away from us. 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. (Wednesday of week 13 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 21:5,8-20, Ps. 34:7-8,10-13, Matthew 8:28-34).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu