Reflect, today, on whoever in your life you have erased, perhaps they have hurt you over and over again

“What do you have to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you for God, don't torment me! "(He said to him:" Unclean spirit, come out of man! ") He asked him:" What is your name? " He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us. ”Mark 5: 7–9

For most people, such an encounter would be terrifying. This man whose words are recorded above was possessed by a multitude of demons. He lived in the hills between various caves by the sea and no one wanted to get close to him. He was a violent man, he shouted day and night, and all the people of the village were afraid of him. But when this man saw Jesus from afar, something amazing happened. Instead of being terrified by Jesus for man, the multitude of demons who possessed man became frightened of Jesus. Jesus then commanded the many demons to leave the man and instead enter a herd of about two thousand pigs. The pig immediately ran down the hill into the sea and drowned. The possessed man has returned to normal, becoming clothed and sane. Everyone who saw it was amazed.

Clearly, this brief summary of the story does not adequately explain the terror, trauma, confusion, suffering, etc., that this man endured during the years of his diabolical possession. And it does not adequately explain the severe suffering of this man's family and friends, as well as the disorder caused to local citizens due to his possession. So, to better understand this story, it is helpful to compare the before and after experiences of all parties involved. It was very difficult for everyone to understand how this man could go from being possessed and insane to being calm and rational. For this reason, Jesus told the man to "Go home to your family and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you." Imagine the mix of joy, confusion, and disbelief her family would experience.

If Jesus could transform the life of this man who was completely possessed by a Legion of demons, then no one would ever be without hope. Too often, especially within our families and among old friends, there are those we have dismissed as irredeemable. There are those who have strayed so far that they seem hopeless. But one thing this story tells us is that hope is never lost for anyone, not even those who are completely possessed by a multitude of demons.

Reflect today on whoever in your life you have deleted. Maybe they hurt you over and over again. Or maybe they have chosen a life of grave sin. See that person in the light of this gospel and know that there is always hope. Be open to God acting through you in a deep and powerful way so that even the seemingly most irredeemable person you know can receive hope through you.

My mighty Lord, today I offer you the person I recall who needs your redeeming grace most. May I never lose hope in your ability to transform their lives, to forgive their sins and bring them back to You. Use me, dear Lord, to be an instrument of your mercy so that they can know you and experience the freedom you so deeply desire for them to receive. Jesus I believe in you.