Word to the Wise
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 - Wednesday in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
[Gen 21:5, 8-20a and Matt 8:28-34]Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district. [Matthew]
The story of the Gadarene demoniac(s) has elements that leave scripture scholars scratching their heads (geography for one) but these need not concern us here. What does catch my attention is the contrast between who recognizes Jesus and who does not. Jesus is recognized by the demons but not by the townspeople who come out in response to the report of the swineherds. In fact, the townspeople react in fear and beg Jesus to leave!
A second point is that not every missionary effort will bear fruit. The gospels warn disciples that this will be the case and not to lose heart. Jesus' power over demons may not lead to faith but to fear! That fear may be like that of the Pharisees who accused Jesus of casting out demons by virtue of the prince of demons. [Luke 11:15]
Fear of the unknown consequences of commitment in faith is often an impediment to faith. Are we just replacing one demon with another? Is it a question of "the devil you know?" The demons recognized a God of love whose power to conquer demons is the power of love and healing. As disciples of Jesus, this love is our best resource. Some will actually be afraid of this love because of its power to change a person. Have we, as disciples, allowed that love and healing to cast out all our own demons? The townspeople saw only an act of power. We can do better even if our efforts may go unrewarded. AMEN