Sometimes
if we take the time to apply historical perspective to a reading it
can be very interesting, even very humorous. Today, in the gospel passage, we
see Jesus simply and immediately curing two “demoniacs” – poor lost souls who
were troubled by unclean spirits – and who could find comfort only by prowling
among the tombs. But what is interesting is that St. Matthew adds a bit of
humor to the rendition of the story – by having the unclean spirits go into a
herd a swine – pigs – which are unclean to Jews already in the first place –
and then having the whole herd rushing headlong over a cliff into the sea.
This is just a bit of extra
humorous drama that Matthew adds – to in fact make a joke – not out of Jesus
power to heal, but to demonstrate the ease that he heals with, and the fact
that he can do it in whatever way he wishes.
The townsfolk however did not
find it humorous at all – and they begged Jesus to leave the district. They
found him all too much for them. Who was this “magician” – who was this “worker
of wonders?”
Well – he is truly Lord and
Master of the Universe which he created with his Father – he is Lord and Master
over Life – he is Healer, Comforter and Friend. The two demoniacs were very
grateful for Jesus’ intervention! May we with them praise God always for his kindness,
and his deeds done for our welfare and our salvation.
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