Readings:
Genesis 21:5; 8-20
Matthew 8:28-34
Reflection
In the whole of the OT you will not find a single case of demonic possession. The Jews didn’t think that way because it came too close to saying there were 2 Gods – a good god and a bad god at war with each other. By the time of Jesus, such thoughts were present, and Matthew milks them with his flair for the dramatic. His point is clear – Jesus, filled with Divine power, breaks the power of evil in the world, and such forces tremble before him. Perhaps the power of evil that needs to be conquered really exists in our hearts, in the jealousy and harmful intent Sarah has towards Abraham’s slave girl and her child. Our Christian faith tells us that Christ in our life should tip the balance in God’s favour. However, it is still up to us to choose whose side we are on.
Fr. Ray Sanchez CP is the leader of the Oxley community and responsible for Parish Missions and Retreats throughout Australia and NZ.