The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 8:31-32

Can you imagine what it must have been like for the people living in the area of the Gadarenes where two demonics or lunatics were tormenting them constantly? When Jesus came across these demonics, they pleaded with him to leave them alone: “what do you have to do with us, Son of God?”

Jesus did not leave them alone. He healed the two possessed men by expelling their demons. With just one word, “go,” He delivered the two men from their demonic tormentors and their turbulent lives came to an end. Not only were they healed but the people from the area were able to come and go again; freely.

People are possessed all the time by various demons that harass and torment them. If they do not turn to the Lord for help, those demons inside; demons of anger, hatred, resentment, guilt or fear, will fester and hold them captive. They will not be able to think of anything else and other people who cross their paths will be held hostage to these same demons.

Jesus can set everyone free from demonic thoughts just as He healed the two demons in today’s gospel. He can show everyone the way of forgiveness; He can help break the cycle of recriminations and He can offer the way to a better life.

People don’t have to be held captive by past hurts and sins. They can be set free by the power of the Lord’s words and sacraments. Jesus has this power to change us so that we will no longer be tossed around and afflicted by negative emotions.

All He wants is for us to turn to him so that He can heal us and set us free. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you,” says the Lord.

Fr. Hugh Duffy