Not everyone will accept or understand the work of Jesus. It is important for us to remain faithful even when faced with rejection or misunderstanding. Like Jesus, we should show compassion to others and seek to bring healing and restoration in their lives. Let us live out our calling with compassion, courage, and a willingness to share our own stories of transformation and how Jesus has worked in our lives.
Go home to your friends, and share the tale,
Of how the Lord's love did prevail.
Tell them of mercy, boundless and true,
Of all the wonders He has done for you.
In darkest times, His light did shine,
With grace and love, so pure, divine.
He healed your heart, He set you free,
From chains of fear and misery.
So spread the word, let others see,
The power of His love, His mercy.
For in your story, they will find,
A hope that heals, a peace of mind.
Lord Jesus,
You have shown us Your boundless mercy and love, help us to share the wonders You have done in our lives. Guide us to go home to our friends and tell them of Your grace and compassion.
May our words be a testament to Your goodness, and our lives reflect Your mercy. Grant us the courage to proclaim Your love, And the wisdom to share Your truth.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE HEALING OF THE GERASENE DEMONIAC
Mark 5:1-20
Gospel Acclamation
A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
Gospel | Mark 5:1-20
1 Jesus and his disciple came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. 2 When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. 3 The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. 4 In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. 6 Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, 7 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!” 8 (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) 9 He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” 10 And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. 11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. 12 And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” 13 And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. 14 The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. 15 As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. 16 Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. 17 Then they began to beg him to leave their district. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. 19 But he would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” 20 Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
