5th Sunday after Pentecost

Today's reading of the Gospel recounts Jesus' encounter with two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes. These men, known for their violent and uncontrollable behavior, lived among the tombs, isolated from society. When Jesus arrived in their vicinity, the demons within them recognized His authority and power, causing them to cry out and beg Jesus not to torment them before the appointed time. Jesus then commanded the demons to leave the men and enter a nearby herd of pigs. The demons obeyed, causing the entire herd, numbering about two thousand, to rush down a steep bank into the sea and drown. This event not only demonstrates Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm but also highlights the destructive nature of demonic possession. It serves as a reminder of the power and compassion of Jesus in delivering individuals from the grip of darkness and restoring them to wholeness.