irrational
“They were seized with fear.” —Mark 5:15
In today’s first reading, Shimei curses, accuses, and continues to pursue King David. This is what the devil does, accusing us constantly (see Rv 12:10). The Gerasenes in today’s Gospel reading also chose the ways of the devil over the ways of the Lord. They preferred a man possessed with a Legion of demons (Mk 5:9) and a road closed to the public (Mt 8:28). In fact, when the Gerasenes saw that this man was “fully clothed and perfectly sane,” they were seized with fear (Mk 5:15) rather than rejoicing at his healing.
Jesus brought the Gospel, freedom, and sanity to a town, and the townspeople begged Him to leave (Mk 5:17). This is not rational behavior. The Gerasenes did recognize Jesus’ power; they just didn’t want any part of it. They preferred fear and dysfunction to liberty and new life.
Are you “seized with fear”? (Mk 5:15) Is there any area of your life in which you prefer the familiarity of dysfunction to the changes required by freedom and life “to the full”? (Jn 10:10) In tomorrow’s Gospel, Jesus will bluntly state: “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust” (Mk 5:36). Present your fears to Jesus. Beg Him to stay and heal.
Prayer: Father, fill me with that perfect love of Yours which casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:18).
Promise: “You, O Lord, are my Shield; my Glory, You lift up my head!” —Ps 3:4
Praise: Inspired by the Lord, St. John Bosco resolved “to rescue young lads from evil ways and to train them in an honest trade.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.