THE HEROS OF FAITH

MONDAY WEEK 4 IN ORDINARY TIME Universalis

‘Come out of the man, unclean spirit.’

Reading Hebrew 11:32-40 The example of the Old Testament saints

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets – these were men who through faith conquered kingdoms, did what is right and earned the promises. They could keep a lion’s mouth shut, put out blazing fires and emerge unscathed from battle. They were weak people who were given strength, to be brave in war and drive back foreign invaders. 

Some came back to their wives from the dead, by resurrection; and others submitted to torture, refusing release so that they would rise again to a better life. Some had to bear being pilloried and flogged, or even chained up in prison. They were stoned, or sawn in half, or beheaded; they were homeless, and dressed in the skins of sheep and goats; they were penniless and were given nothing but ill-treatment. They were too good for the world and they went out to live in deserts and mountains and in caves and ravines. These are all heroes of faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had made provision for us to have something better, and they were not to reach perfection except with us. 

Responsorial Psalm: Let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord

Gospel Mark 5:1-20  The Gadarene swine

Jesus and his disciples reached the country of the Gerasenes on the other side of the lake, and no sooner had Jesus left the boat than a man with an unclean spirit came out from the tombs towards him. The man lived in the tombs and no one could secure him any more, even with a chain; because he had often been secured with fetters and chains but had snapped the chains and broken the fetters, and no one had the strength to control him. All night and all day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he would howl and gash himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and fell at his feet and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? Swear by God you will not torture me!’ – for Jesus had been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, unclean spirit.’ ‘What is your name?’ Jesus asked. ‘My name is legion,’ he answered ‘for there are many of us.’ And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the district....... CDR

How great is your goodness Lord, that you keep for those who fear you, that you show to those who trust you in the sight of men. Father you hide them in the shelter of your presence   from the plotting of men; you keep them safe from disputing tongues. Blessed be the Lord who has shown me   the wonders of his love.  ‘I am far removed from your sight’ I said in my alarm. You heard the voice of my plea when I cried for help. Love the Lord, all you saint. He guards his faithful but the Lord will repay to the full  those who act with pride. Psalm 30: 20-24

Keep us save in your love God our Father, protect us from our enemies. Deliver us from every form of demonic or satanic possession. Fill us with your Holy Spirit for we are your children.

 

Pray the Holy Rosary. Hail Mary. Blessed Mother of our Lord and Saviour pray for us. Bring us to your Son Jesus Christ.

 

Lord Jesus I trust in you. Saint Joseph pray for me. God’s Holy Angels and saints pray for me. My Guardian Angel pray for me. Defend me. Protect me.