Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The Man with a Legion of Demons


Tuesday, March 13 – Read Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples sail to a nearby Gentile town in Galilee, landing near a cemetery. There they are confronted by a raving man who is clearly unable to live in society despite the efforts of others who have tried to help him. Possessed by “a legion of demons”, the sight of Jesus makes him crazy with fear since the demons know instinctively that Jesus will force them to leave their host. Jesus gives them permission to leave the man and enter a nearby herd of pigs, which are considered unclean and dangerous vermin by the Jews. The demons then leave the man, enter the pigs, and cause the pigs to rush over a cliff and drown, much to the shock and dismay of the swineherds charged with their care. Meanwhile the man is restored to his right mind and becomes a witness to the power and care of God in Christ.

Reflection Questions: When are you usually possessed by an unhealthy spirit of anger, or desire for revenge, or lust for money, or power, or sex, or admiration, etc.? How does the Spirit of Christ cast out these unclean spirits?

Prayer: Dear God, I am possessed by so many desires and longings, most of which are created by my inner fears. Call forth the inner Christ who you have placed in the depths of my soul. Let him cast out my fears and demons, order and direct my life, and restore me to my right mind. Amen.

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