Set Free
“Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” (Mk 5:19)
In today’s gospel, Jesus is traveling through the region of Gerasenes, pagan territory. A man, posed and tormented by many demons, who had been living among the tombs (symbolizing his spiritual death), runs to Jesus and begs for healing. Jesus orders the unclean spirits to leave the man and enter a herd of swine. The herd then rushes into the sea where they drown. Those who witnessed this were filled with fear and they begged Jesus to leave. As Jesus embarks on a boat to leave, he tells the man to “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” (Mk 5:19)
Today’s gospel portrays a very powerful example of Jesus setting someone free from the demons that possessed him. The story becomes more relevant when we acknowledge that we all have demons that possess us which affect our relationship with Jesus.
What sin is possessing us that we need to be freed from? Turn to Jesus and asked him for his forgiving and merciful healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Deacon Joe Trevino
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church