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Manila Bulletin devider Reflections devider Have you come here to torment us?

Have you come here to torment us?

Published Jun 30, 2021 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY Wherever the Good News of Jesus was preached, it has met the same opposition as Jesus experienced. Yet, the Gospel today tells us that Jesus is stronger than any opposition. The demons possessing two Gadarene natives see their destruction as they meet Jesus: “Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” (v 29), they shriek. Jesus allows the demons to enter the herd of swine which drowns into the sea. Surprisingly, the Gadarenes beg Jesus to leave their district. Being superstitious, they probably see Jesus as “the more powerful demon” who might cause them greater harm. They have yet to realize that Jesus has come to put an end to the dominion of Satan. He works not by the power of Beelzebul, but “by the finger of God” (Lk 11:20). GOSPEL • MATTHEW 8:28-34 When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district. SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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