FIRST READING
Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
Seek good and not evil, that you may live; Then truly will the LORD, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim! Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; Then it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will have pity on the remnant of Joseph.
I hate, I spurn your feasts, says the LORD, I take no pleasure in your solemnities; Your cereal offerings I will not accept, nor consider your stall-fed peace offerings. Away with your noisy songs! I will not listen to the melodies of your harps. But if you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always. I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“For mine are all the animals of the forests, beasts by the thousand on my mountains. I know all the birds of the air, and whatever stirs in the plains, belongs to me.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“If I were hungry, I should not tell you, for mine are the world and its fullness. Do I eat the flesh of strong bulls, or is the blood of goats my drink?”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, Though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
ALLELUIA
James 1:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you ever feel driven by forces beyond your strength?
Two men driven mad by the force of many evil spirits found refuge in the
one person who could set them free. Both Mark and Luke their gospel accounts
of this incident describe this force as a legion (Mark 5:9 and Luke 8:30).
A legion is no small force but an army 6,000 strong! For the people of
Palestine, hemmed in by occupied forces, a legion, whether spiritual or
human, struck terror! Legions at their wildest committed unmentionable
atrocities. Our age has also witnessed untold crimes and mass destruction
at the hands of possessed rulers and their armies. What is more remarkable
the destructive force of these driven and possessed men, or the bended
knee at Jesus' feet imploring mercy and release? God's word reminds
us that no destructive force can keep anyone from the peace and safety
which God offers to those who seek his help. A thousand may fall at
your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.
..Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation
(Psalm 91:7,9).
Jesus took pity on these men who were overtaken by a legion of evil
spirits. The destructive force of these demons is evident for all who can
see as they flee and destroy a herd of swine. After Jesus freed the demoniacs
the whole city came out to meet him. No one had demonstrated such power
and authority against the forces of Satan as Jesus did. They feared Jesus
as a result and begged him to leave them. Why would they not want Jesus
to stay? Perhaps the price for such liberation from the power of evil and
sin was more than they wanted to pay. Jesus is ready and willing to free
us from anything that binds us and that keeps us from the love of God.
Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from his love
and saving grace?
"Lord Jesus, unbind me that I may love you wholly and walk in the freedom
of your way of love and holiness. May there be nothing which keeps me from
the joy of living in your presence."
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