Matthew 8:28-34 – Jesus has authority over the spiritual world
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
I find myself asking why—in a land of great beauty—is there so much pain and suffering? The savannahs are heavenly, the animals roam in freedom. But Dandora, there is rubbish, prostitution, corruption and disease (I can really say the same about our great country). In this passage the demons pleaded with Jesus, to drive them out, and free the men. However, when the news of this wondrous act comes to the town, the people pleaded for Jesus to leave. Why?
I want to take time today, on this day of freedom, to thank God not only for our heavenly freedoms, but also for the freedoms given to our country from our forefathers and service men and women. We are given choices, and in America, there is opportunity. Holy Cross Parish also offers opportunity. I often hear other travelers notice how the parish represents a safe haven. People are fed spiritually and physically. There is a sense of peace and gratitude.
Salvation is a choice, do we invite Jesus to transform our lives, or do we ask him to leave? There are so many wonders in this world, things that blow me away, positively and negatively. How do I balance the two? In the lessons learned in Dandora, and from all the past travelers, there is one word – Gratitude. God bless America, God bless Africa, and God bless Dandora!
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