Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 4; the Nativity of the Honourable and Glorious Prophet John, Forerunner and Baptist of Christ
Apostles’ Fast.
Read
Romans 10:1-10; Romans 13:11b-14:4
Matthew 8:28-9:1; Luke 1:1-25, 57-68, 76, 80
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
When we read this Gospel account, we can sometimes miss what is happening between the lines. Journeying to “the other side” of the Sea of Galilee was to enter Gentile territory, you know, the place of the sinners who you did not want to be around. To go to “the other side” was risky business. Sure enough, Jesus and His disciples enter a land where the people are keeping unclean pigs. They are also greeted by two demon-possessed men. Imagine how uncomfortable Christ’s followers would have been in this situation, imagine how out of their “comfort zones” they had travelled!
And yet, when Christ appears, even in this sinful environment, He is known. The demons themselves recognize Him for who He is and ask for His mercy. There is a great lesson here for us today brothers and sisters. No matter how far we go out of our “comfort zones” God remains with us, and indeed, has already been at work, often unnoticed in the areas He has called us to evangelize. The disciples arrive anxious over where they have been called, but they are ushered out by those living there who are too anxious to have them around!
Who is on the “other side” in your life? How can you bring the light of Christ to them? Pray for the eyes to see the Lord’s work in their lives and for the strength to aid Him in that work!