PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
or click here if there is no triangle
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Wednesday 13th Week of OT
St. Luke’s Institute
July 2, 2014
THE ACCOUNT ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Today J is in the non-Jewish territory of
Gadarenes & he’s encountered 2 men possessed by demons
Ø
In Matt’s Gospel there’ve been brief mentions of
J curing possessed, but now comes an account of an actual encounter w/ demons
Ø
Note, they immediately recognize him, addressing
him as “Son of God”
Ø
And they demand to know why he’s come to “torment us before the appointed time”
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
ACCOUNT +++++++++++++++++
Ø
Behind question lies idea that coming of J
ushers in final confrontation between God & hostile power that currently
holds sway in the world
Ø
This is not, therefore, simply isolated
encounter between a healer & a few errant demons
Ø
It’s a much bigger issue
Ø
Demons recognize it 4 what it really is: arrival
of God’s Son 2 usher in fullness of God’s Kingdom
Ø
And a fundamental feature of Kingdom is deliverance
from powers that bind & torture humans, in whatever form they take
Ø
The demons claim that time for their destruction
has not yet come 4 they’re aware of common biblical idea of a divinely
appointed schedule
THE SIGNIFICANCE LOST
ON THE PEOPLE +++++++++++
Ø
Jesus realizes that the time isn’t right
Ø
So rather than destroy evil forces, J sends them
into pigs, which in turn are destroyed
Ø
That townspeople beg J 2 leave suggests they
have allowed material loss 2 blind them 2 something much bigger
Ø
And that is fact that J has delivered not only 2
the 2 demoniacs, but also entire territory being terrorized by them
THE SIGNIFICANCE NOT
LOST ON US ++++++++++++++
Ø
The lessons for us? That what has already come to
us is the deliverance of individuals from torment
Ø
How well we’re aware of this here at SLI
Ø
2nd, Jesus has delivered the
territory of the Gadarenes, and the this “territory,” from being terrorized
Ø
& until final cosmic struggle of good over
evil, that will be more than enough for us to live in hope
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
