Daily Gospel Reflection for June 30, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Laurann Donahue

Today's Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

This story has always fascinated me. When Jesus comes upon them, the demons recognize Him. His own people don’t recognize Him--but the demons do! It has always reminded me of James 2 where it says that even the demons believe and tremble. Showing that belief by itself is not enough; after all, the demons believe in Him too. We need to show our love to Him by our lives.

But why did Jesus grant the request of the demons to be able to enter the swine? He shows His great compassion for the two people being possessed. What must their lives have been like? What pain and shame did they endure, and for how long? Those two people, possessed by many demons so evil that people would go out of their way to avoid being anywhere near them, had to be experiencing a horrible life. Jesus wanted them to be free of those demons, so He granted the request of those demons.

The people who saw Jesus' power over these demons were frightened and asked Him to leave their area. They instead should have rejoiced in witnessing His compassion and mercy. We should see this story as positive. It really shows Jesus’ power over evil but also His great capacity for empathy, mercy, and most of all love.

Ponder:

If Jesus can love those two demoniacs with such overwhelming love and mercy, how incredibly deeply must He love me, too?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to show Your love and compassion to the world. May I love with Your love and show mercy like You. Amen.

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If Jesus can love those two demoniacs with such overwhelming love and mercy, how incredibly deeply must He love me, too? #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Laurann Donahue