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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014  WEDNESDAY IN THE THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

[Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 and Matthew 8:28-34]

 

     "What have you to do with us, Son of God?  Have you come to torment us before the appointed time?"

 

     The story of Jesus and the Gadarene demons often leaves folks wondering about the herd of pigs and the real purpose of the story is lost!  The territory was pretty much pagan territory because Jews would not have been herding pigs!  Jesus, therefore, is confronting both the power of evil and the power of unbelief.  Indeed, the villagers beg him to leave rather than embracing him!  It is a strange irony that we may equally fear the power of evil and the power that can conquer it!

 

     This story is one of three miracles in a row that demonstrate Jesus' power.  The first was the calming of the storm [yesterday's gospel scripture].  There Jesus shows the power that created the world and brought it forth from chaos.  Today, Jesus shows his power over evil forces.  If tomorrow's passage were not replaced by the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle [July 3], the third story would be that of the paralytic whom Jesus heals and forgives.  So there, Jesus' power over illness and power to forgive sins are demonstrated. 

 

     In each case, Jesus' use of power is for the sake of his mission to preach the Kingdom of God, and not for his own pleasure or profit.  What do we think or feel about the "power of God" that can calm storms, exorcise demons, cure illnesses and forgive sins?  Do we worry about "what else?" might happen and get uneasy?  Do we want Jesus to "keep his distance" or to leave the area?   Or do we feel secure because this power is linked to a love beyond all imagining?   AMEN