Those Who Come to Us

Scripture – Luke 8:26-29: 26They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

Reflection: What was life like for this man? I know a few people who have some mental illness issues. They drop by the church building from time to time. We’ve always done our best to welcome them, even as we let them know there limits to behavior they are expected to observe. I don’t have to look for them anymore than Jesus looked for this man. He came to Jesus. They come to us.

It’s never occurred to me to pray for their healing – their release from the power of the demon holding them. For they do live in captivity. And they are barely tolerated in most other places. So they come back to us because we do love them and accept them.

Lord, teach me to more than a welcoming person with these folks. Teach me to be a friend. Hear my prayer as I ask for their healing and my forgiveness.