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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider They begged him to leave their district

They begged him to leave their district

Published Jul 4, 2023 04:02 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY


The curious thing about today’s Gospel is the townspeople’s insistence that Jesus leave their town. If Jesus cured two demoniacs, shouldn’t they be insisting that he stay to show him their gratitude? The solution to this enigma lies in understanding the economic activity of the town. This is a pagan town that survives through swine breeding! Upon hearing the swineherds’ account of how Jesus caused the pigs to rush to their death, the other swine keepers fear that their source of income would be endangered. Or these pagan people may have thought Jesus to be a demonic entity more powerful than the demons behind the two demoniacs. Have not Jesus’ detractors accused him of being in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons? Indeed, some people would tolerate “demons” they are used to rather than welcome a new power that they are not familiar with, or prefer economic over spiritual advantage.

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 2022.” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail:*[*[email protected]*](mailto:[email protected])*; Website:*[*http://www.stpauls.ph*](http://www.stpauls.ph)*.*

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