Understanding Jesus’ Healings: Chains to Freedom

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 11:32-40; Psalm 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24; Mark 5:1-20

Summary

Sometimes the acts of Jesus result in the fear of Jesus. The healing of the Gerasene Demonic is an example. Understanding the actions of God take time and reflection to reveal the fullness of the blessing provided. We re tempted to think the chains and shackles are the better option.

The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac – Fear

And they were seized with fear.
Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened
to the possessed man and to the swine.
Then they began to beg him to leave their district.

The man healed – who none could approach – was restored to his right mind and body. Their fear was two fold. The miracle was beyond their expectations of what is possible. They lost a herd of about two thousand swine into which the demons entered and drove off the cliff.

Witness of the Healing Love of God

But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead,
“Go home to your family and announce to them
all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”
Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis
what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

The man told his story. A story from oppression and possession to liberation. The people began to understand that commerce (2,000 head of swine is a lot of valuable livestock) is nothing in comparison to the state of one human soul. The healed man was told to announce the good news.

The Healing of a Deaf Man – Acceptance

(Sometime later…) Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him (Mk 7:31-32). In this case the healed deaf man was told to not tell the story.

Reflection

The difference between the first and second visit of Jesus to the region is very significant. The first healing brought fear and a certain amount of loss. Yet the reflection upon the events and the miracle given the single man became a realization of a blessing to the entire region. One they wished to share at the next opportunity.

• Pigs are not as important as people. Not a comment to be taken to extremes, please!
• Witness is the first step in discernment.
• Nothing we possess is as important as the people in our lives.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020325.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry