Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews declares that our ancestors “conquered kingdoms” because they had faith. They believed that the Lord was with them. They hoped in the Lord’s promise.
How blessed we are to inherit the blessings of this promise. As Hebrews says, “something better was planned for us.” We have received the great treasure that was longed for by so many. Jesus Christ, our savior, is that treasure. Jesus Himself conquers the kingdom of the evil one. He met a man who was possessed by Legion, a multitude of demons. Jesus faces Legion without fear and casts them out of the possessed man. He sends them into a swineherd per their request. It seems unclear why He heeds their request. The swine herders don’t appreciate this because the swine go down the hill and drown in the sea. They lose their livelihood. Later on, Jesus is asked to leave the district. The formerly possessed man is grateful for being delivered. Jesus tells him to go home and “tell what the Lord in His mercy did for you.”
Reflection: We are beneficiaries of a great promise, God’s promise. We can take part in this promise not by our own merit but by God’s mercy. Think today about what the Lord in His mercy has done for you. Can you take some time today to see how what you have comes by grace and not by merit?
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections