Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Mark 5:1-20
When I reflect upon today’s scripture passage about Jesus’ interaction with the demoniac, my mind goes immediately to times in my own life when I have encountered the hurt of mental illness.
I’ve known it in my own family while caretaking for a loved one. I witness it among some of the unhoused neighbors who live in my community. I myself have sought therapy to work through the effects of a pressing mental health crisis.
In today’s Gospel, Mark shares the story of a man possessed by demons. We hear of his miraculous encounter with Jesus, the source and summit of all healing. To me, it’s not surprising that Jesus heals this man and that his life is dramatically impacted. What surprises me is that the man who had previously been so radically possessed by evil is deemed by Jesus to be a perfect person to witness to others. Christ knows the fullness of this soul’s resolution. This unnamed man is set on a new path, to love and serve the world around him.
As someone who has seen and experienced the importance of mental health care, I feel it necessary to say that if we or someone we love is experiencing a mental health crisis, we should seek professional treatment. But we should also take every opportunity to let the Divine Physician work in our bodies and minds as well as in our souls.
We do not need to be radically healed from demonic possession to act as this man did. Upon his healing, he begged Jesus to be with him. Although he was sent away to proclaim his healing, it seems clear this man was never truly far from Christ. The world around him heard his story and was amazed. Doesn’t Jesus ask the same of us, even in our brokenness?
Ponder:
How am I–through my prayer life, reception of the Eucharist, and embrace of the sacraments–begging Jesus to heal me, to send me as a witness, and to be close to me always?
Pray:
Lord Jesus, Divine Physician, You know the ways in which I am broken and aching. Heal me according to Your will and use my story as a way to draw others into the fullness of Your love.
Copyright 2023 Lisa M. Hendey
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments