Jesus heals two men with demons: Matthew 8:28-34
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
Jesus and his disciples crossed the Lake and came ashore at a deserted place. It was a burial ground and this is where two men with severe mental illness lived. They were so violent that no one came near them. As we visitors came ashore, the men, screaming and ranting, rushed towards us, shouting ‘What do you want with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come to punish us before the time? If you are going to move us on, let us go into that herd of pigs.’
We were terrified, clinging to each other in fear of what would happen next. But Jesus was so calm, and simply said to them, ‘Go!’ The two men fell to the ground, exhausted. The evil spirits sped off to the pigs who reacted immediately, stampeding down the hill, over a ridge and into the sea below where they all drowned. The swineherds ran into the town with their story, and the villagers begged us all to leave the district. So we went away, glad to have escaped such a dangerous place. As we were leaving, we saw the two men, who were now calmly standing by a tree. They waved and shouted a thank you as we rowed away.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· What do I do when I am very frightened?
· Jesus respects our free will. He allowed the evil spirits to move on.
· When do I lose my calm?
· What helps me to regain my calm?
· Meditation techniques can help to restore a balance in our lives.
· Jesus respects our free will and never forces us. Do I take the time to discern what God wants of me in a particular area?
Prayer
Lord, be with me when I have to confront difficulties. Help me to align my will with yours. Help me to respect other people and their decisions. Your will be done. Amen.