There are many veterans of wars and of gang violence, and people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction around us. So many families have to deal with troubled loved ones. There are no easy solutions … but is there hope?
Jesus utters life-changing words to the poor man in today’s Gospel, “Unclean spirit, come out of him.” The demons beg Jesus three times:
- Do not to expel them from this pagan region where they have free rein
- Send them into the 2,000 swine, the valuable property of the people of this village
- Finally, the villagers who have lost their livelihood, beg Jesus to leave them
They are showing him the door, politely. Many families today, show Jesus the door because they are so attached to wealth, and other preoccupations.
Families, do not abandon loved ones who are in trouble. Do not show Jesus the door! He is the first step to real healing. A good and hopeful first step is to recognize that we need the help of someone who has overcome the powers of evil and darkness.
