Doing It Christ's Way

Scripture – Mark 5:14-20: ¹⁴Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. ¹⁵When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ¹⁶Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. ¹⁷Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. ¹⁸As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Reflection: What a change for this man! He’s been freed from the demons that held him captive. He knows it was Jesus who did that. In response, he does what Jesus tells him to do.

Following Christ doesn’t always mean I go where I want. The man wanted to go with Jesus in the boat. Jesus told him. “No.” Instead, He sent the man back home to tell people there what had happened – what the Lord had done for him. And that’s what he did.

Lord sometimes I get an idea of what I want to do as I follow you. Then you have a different plan for me. , I must admit, sometimes when I don’t get my way, I tend to sulk a bit. Then, when I do start doing what you have asked, I don’t bring much enthusiasm to the task. I’m sorry for that. Remind me today of this man. He went back and told his story, and people were amazed. Show me your way, this day, O Lord.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.