The evangelist, Mark, paints a dramatic picture of Jesus and the possessed man in today’s gospel. I think this kind of description can assist us in our meditation and reflection today. In our imaginations, let us look at the picture that Mark places before us. First, allow us to begin with the possessed man who, I suggest, might represent the violence around us and, in some cases, within us.

He is well aware of the “chains” and “shackles” that “bound” him to his demons. He was “possessed,” but today, many of us are “obsessed” or simply “addicted” to so many forces out there that bind and shackle us and which most of us would seriously hesitate to call demons. Is it not, however, pretty much the same? Like him, do we not at times plead with God to leave us alone? Let someone else deal with the violence that is being done to our environment. Let them make this first move in this ruined relationship.

Amid this struggle stands Jesus, the only true savior and healer—the calm and quiet presence. Now, there is hope for a better world and a better me. “The possessed man in his right mind” is not merely healed; he is also sent to announce what the Lord, in his compassion, has done for him.

Psalm 3, in today’s liturgy that we hear after the first reading from the Book of Samuel is the proper prayer we need to articulate after reflecting on this brief account of Jesus and the man with the “unclean spirit.”

What “demon” or obsession am I willing to surrender to the Lord for healing today?

Let Us Pray:

Father, thank you for the call to live a heroic life of faith. Lord Jesus, purify my mind and heart to see where I am being sent. Holy Spirit, gift me with all I need to bring love, hope, and healing to our broken world. Amen.