"Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!" - Mark 5:6-7
The beginning of Mark's fifth chapter tells the story of Jesus casting a demon out of a man in the territory of the Gerasenes. There's a lot packed into this one story, but I want to highlight what the possessed man says to Jesus: "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" There are two things to point out here. First, even a demon knows who Jesus is. And it's not because of any great faith on his part. It's a simple fact. Faith is more than just knowing that God exists and that Jesus is his son. Faith begins with that knowledge, but grows into trusting in and desiring His love. Faith is a relationship with God.
Second, the words of the possessed man are often our own words. Do you ever look at parts of your life and think, "oh, I don't really think God cares too much about that"? The man in the Gospel denies having anything to do with Jesus – but of course, that's not really him speaking, it's the demon! The truth is, Jesus cares tremendously about every part of your life. That's why He became one of us in the very lowest tier of society, so that He could share our suffering and bear it for us. Whatever "that" is – that crummy job, that toxic relationship, that addiction, - that you don't think Jesus cares about. That's exactly where He wants to love you.
In what part of your life do need the love of Jesus the most?
Jesus, help me to trust in your love especially when I feel the least inclined to do so.
Reflection by:
Zach Brasseur
Did you know...
Zach Brasseur is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, currently in his third year of theological studies. His home parish is St. Paul's in St. Petersburg and he is an alumnus of Saint Leo University. Zach enjoys golf, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the music of the Avett Brothers. His favorite bible verse is John 6:68.
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