January 31, St. John Bosco

Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. — Psalm 31:25

Mass Readings: Hebrews 11:32-40 / Mark 5:1-20

Go Home 

If you’re not sure that Jesus was a disruptive figure, today’s Gospel should remove all doubts. This is the sensational story of the possessed man in the land of the Gerasenes. Jesus casts a legion of devils out of the man; the devils enter a herd of 2,000 swine, which, in a frenzy, throw themselves into the sea. No wonder the elders of the territory beg Jesus to leave. 

I like the end of the story. The man who had been possessed, now sane and healed, pleads with Jesus to be allowed to go with Him. Jesus said no: “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you’’ (Mk 5:19). That’s a good word for all of us: tell the people at home about the Lord.

Prayer: I love You, Lord. Give me the grace to talk about the Good News.