January 30, 2017 Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time-A

Hebrews 11:32-40

Psalm 31

Mark 5:1-20

“Go home to your family…”  Mark 5:19

Lord, fresh from calming the violent storm on the sea you are confronted with a demon-possessed man on the shore.  This story would be a blockbuster horror movie today.  What evil was in this man!  You set him free of thousands of evil spirits.  Clearly tremendous evil is no match for you.  We sometimes think today that the forces of evil are so great and numerous that they are beyond your power and are winning the battle over our hearts and minds.  That’s just what the prince of demons wants us to believe.  This story shows us that’s a lie.  When you departed from this town the people were terrified and wanted no part of you.  But you left behind a powerful witness.  This man proclaimed you as Savior and his personal testimony spread throughout this pagan land.  Lord, I turn to you to banish all sin and evil within me.  Set me free from what makes me an outcast in your kingdom.  Give me the opportunity to experience the saving power and grace you won for me on the cross.  I long to live the abundant life you came to give us all.  Amen.