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Monday Of Week 4 In Ordinary Time 

Living

Monday Of Week 4 In Ordinary Time 

Hebrews 11:32-40
Psalm 30(31):20-24
Mark 5:1-20

REFLECTING ON HUMAN VALUE AND DIVINE INTERVENTION

Poor pigs! Approximately two thousand pigs charged down the cliff into the lake and were drowned because of the deliverance of a man possessed by demons in the land of Gerasenes by Jesus.

In this account from the holy gospel according to Mark we encounter a compelling interaction between Jesus and a man possessed by a multitude of demons, collectively identifying as “Legion.” This event unfolds shortly after Jesus and His disciples cross the Sea of Galilee, presenting an immediate and stark confrontation with the supernatural.

The possessed man, filled with demons, poses a significant challenge, yet it is a challenge easily met by Jesus, who expels the unclean spirits. The narrative takes a peculiar turn when the demons request to inhabit a nearby herd of about 2,000 pigs. Jesus grants this request, leading to a dramatic sequence where the herd rushes down a steep slope into the sea and drowns (Mark 5:11-13). The motivations behind Jesus’ consent remain unstated in the text; we might speculate that the swine, classified as unclean animals in Jewish law, serve as a symbol of the broader sthematic engagement with purity and impure spiritual forces.

The resultant chaos captures the attention of the townspeople: those responsible for herding the pigs flee and report the incident throughout the region. When the locals approach Jesus, they find the previously demon-possessed man transformed, sitting calmly and fully clothed—a stark contrast to his earlier state marked by violence and despair (Mark 5:14-15). Interestingly, instead of celebrating this miraculous restoration, the residents are gripped by fear and request Jesus to leave their territory (Mark 5:15).

This reaction begs examination: the fear of transformation that accompanies divine intervention. Although the healing of a tormented man is a monumental act, the economic loss represented by the pigs weighs heavily on the community’s response, likely prompting concerns about further changes that Jesus might bring.

The experience of the Gadarenes teaches an essential lesson regarding spiritual renewal. Accepting Christ’s transformative power in our lives does not solely involve rectifying personal issues; it encompasses a comprehensive restructuring of our external realities as well. The unwillingness of the Gadarenes to embrace this at the cost of their economic stability is reflective of the human tendency to cling to familiar comforts, even if they are detrimental.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:8-13, where he articulates the concept of sacrificial loss in pursuit of a deeper relationship with Christ. For Paul, the temporal losses incurred by following Jesus are inconsequential compared to the eternal gains associated with the knowledge of God—a sentiment the Gadarenes failed to grasp in their moment of fear.

The overarching inquiry prompted by this account is: What is the intrinsic value of human life in the eyes of God? In a contemporary landscape marked by rampant violence and devaluation of life, one must reflect on the worth of individuals against systemic evils. Do we prioritize material or economic growth at the expense of spiritual well-being? Matthew 6:26 offers poignant reassurance, asserting that the value of human life surpasses all other creation, including the birds of the air and even livestock.

Ultimately, the encounter in the land of the Gadarenes challenges us to derive meaning from our existence, recognize our worth to God, and evaluate our own anxieties regarding spiritual transformation. Each of us has intrinsic value and purpose, far exceeding the chaos that surrounds us.

Wishing you a fruitful week ahead, and encouraging each one of us to navigate this journey with an open heart and mind.

Stay safe and stay blessed

Fr Joseph Osho

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