Readings
Amos 5:14-15,21-24
Matthew 8:28-34
Reflection
Today we hear the story of Jesus, right after calming the storm, crossing into Gentile land, meeting two demoniacs, casting the demons into a herd of pigs which rush over the cliff, and then being cast out by the townspeople.
At first glance, it seems like a strange and dramatic story. But beneath it is a profound invitation. Jesus deliberately crosses into foreign territory, seeking out those everyone else has abandoned. The men are living among the tombs, a powerful image of humanity trapped in places of death, fear and isolation. Yet Jesus enters those very places. Long before He Himself enters the tomb, He confronts the power of death and begins undoing its hold on humanity.
Ironically, it is the demons who first recognise Him as the Son of God. They know who He is, but they cannot surrender to Him. The townspeople witness two men restored to freedom, yet instead of rejoicing, they ask Jesus to leave. Their fear of disruption outweighs their desire for healing.
Perhaps that is the hardest part of this Gospel. Christ comes not to condemn us but to set us free. Yet freedom often asks us to let go of what has become familiar, even the things that quietly keep us bound.
This passage invites us to ask ourselves: Where are the tombs in my own life? Where have I become comfortable with patterns that keep me from the fullness of life? And if Jesus were to step into those places today, would I welcome Him or would I ask Him to leave because true freedom feels too costly?
Christ still crosses every boundary to meet us, calling us out of our tombs and into life.
Claire O’Donohueis currently serving as a member of the Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team. She holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Visual Arts and Theology.