https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020325.cfm
Alone and Helpless.
People handle pain in different ways. Some have acute pain that never goes away, and they seek a doctor. Others wait until the last minute, and the pain becomes a crisis. Beyond the crisis is someone who finds no relief in anything and becomes a lonely soul. No matter how much family and friends reach out to them, they are alone and helpless.
The man in today’s gospel had a legion of demons inside him. The line caught my attention: “He was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.” Crying out – people suffering from addictions come to mind. Alcohol, drugs, and even physical and mental abuse are cries for help, and the pain of loneliness and helplessness aggravates the pain. So, to dull the pain, they abuse themselves or others with “bad” medicines, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications, that feed their illness.
It is easy to recognize this behavior in someone else and not so easy to acknowledge the pain that never goes away in ourselves. It, too, is followed by behaviors that are not healthy for us and others.
Remember, seeking help from a doctor, counselor, or priest is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards healing. Jesus is present in these professionals, ready to fill your loneliness with His love and the support of people who genuinely care for you. His merciful love can unbind the shackles in our minds and hearts, just as He did with the man possessed by a legion of demons.
Gospel Challenge:
Based on the lessons from the gospel, here’s a challenge for you: call that doctor, a counselor, or a priest. If you are a victim of abuse, you must also make a call. Everything created, good and bad, submits to the merciful love of Jesus. “They (the people) caught sight of the man possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind.” This challenge is an opportunity for you to seek the help and healing that Jesus offers.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
