Selfless Choice – Reflection on Matthew 8:28-34
The story of Jesus driving out the swine is increasingly appropriate for the deeper worldliness we have progressed into within the last few decades. The fact that the whole town wanted Jesus to leave because of what He had done is a striking metaphor for the need to diffuse aggressive behaviors. Sometimes it is hard to observe situations that exceed the limit of our tolerance, and we want to do more. When this happens to me, I silently voice it out in prayer. Praying is a selfless act, the opposite of the selfishness of aggression. I have witnessed instances of evil being perished because of the lens of this selfless choice. Prayer can provide the gift of fearlessness, allowing us to accept the Spirit’s whispers which help us to walk toward or away from those who outright reject righteousness. With Divinity guiding us, if we choose to walk toward diffusing a situation, we do so with the light of non-aggressive neighborly love.
The Swine Driven into the Sea by James Tissot (full-resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 8:28-34 – Scripture*
Jesus Heals the Gadarene Demoniacs
28 When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. 31 The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32 And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. 33 The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. 34 Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 8:28-34 Reflection – Selfless Choice.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 8 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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