Homily for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel reading presents an unsettling story about a man possessed by demons. He was out of control, perhaps feeling detached from himself and others. Living among the tombs, he was more dead than alive and was considered an absolute outsider. However, Jesus engaged with him, and as a result of their encounter, the man was healed, and his relationship with his community was restored. 

Having just calmed a storm at sea, Jesus also calmed the storm within this man's mind and spirit and sent him out as a messenger of good news to his community.

While we may never experience such extreme turmoil as this man did, there are times when we can all feel out of sorts—disconnected from ourselves and others, feeling only half alive and tossed about by life's challenges. In those moments, we need to come before the Lord, just as the man in the Gospel did. His initial approach to Jesus was quite aggressive, filled with anger: "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God" This can be a similar starting point for us when we are distressed and pray to the Lord.

Yet, Jesus is never put off by our inner turmoil. If we allow Him, He will fill our hearts with His peace and calm us, just as He calmed the storm. Once we find that peace, He will send us out to share His mercy and tranquility with others, just as He sent out the man in the Gospel.