By Kulandai Albert csc –
Readings: Gen 21:5, 8-20; Mt 8:28-34
Today’s liturgy of the word invites us to reflect on God who has the absolute authority over all things in heaven and on earth. In the first reading, God reveals himself as the Almighty God who listens to everyone’s call out for faith. The God of Abraham fulfilled his promises to Abraham on Sarah and Hagar. Sarah was blessed with a son in her old age, and Hagar’s son’s cry was heard by God. God was faithful to Abraham, and God made him a great nation.
In the gospel, Jesus frees two men possessed by evil spirits. Here the main point is that Jesus, the Messiah, has absolute authority over all spirits in the world. Another point that we need to be aware of is the struggle in every human being between the Holy spirit and the evil one. So, this incident reveals the compassion of Jesus for people like us. He will do anything he can to free us from the demons of fear, anxiety, resentment, jealousy, hatred and so on, all that we may have allowed to enslave us. Therefore, by staying close to Jesus we have nothing to fear. Jesus’ presence made a difference in the lives of both men.
Similarly, if Jesus is present in our lives and if we are close to him, our life will be graceful and peaceful. It is important to be aware of Jesus’s presence in our life. So let us pray to God for his assistance and guidance of the Holy Spirit to live a life free from all evil.