Image of a ship's anchor on the sea floor

Day

28

Still Here

Lent 2019

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’ And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

Mark 5:18

One day my parents took my elder brother and sister to the marketplace, but they left me behind because they were afraid I was too little to be taken care of in the crowds. I felt deserted and heart-broken at that time.

Was this demon-possessed man experiencing the same when Jesus said no?

He has every reason to ask Jesus that he might “be with” him, rather than with his countrymen. After all, they valued a herd of pigs much more than his life even though they had witnessed how the demon had tortured him for years, but now he was restored physically and mentally through Jesus’ mercy and power. Instead of rejoicing and inviting Him to stay longer, they implored Jesus to go away. Imagine what they might do to this new Christian who bears His name.

In this Lenten season, we mourn over sins, failures, and shame, not only of our own but also of others. All the problems and sufferings we experience may drive us to ask Jesus why we are still here on earth. Doubts and fears can be overwhelming. The world we live in today is not less hostile toward Jesus and His followers than those countrymen in Gerasenes.

By the way, my parents do love me, which is a fact I learned not by my feelings, but by their unconditional sacrifices for their children. Jesus didn’t take this man with Him into the tiny boat. Instead, He built an imperishable ark with His body crucified on the cross, for the man, for us, and for all people—including those who reject Him or feel rejected.

Through Baptism we are brought into this Ark, sailing safely in this hostile and evil world. The man was not left behind alone, neither are we today. The mercy of God in the Gospel we witness continues converting enemies into brothers and sisters, who come together experiencing Jesus’ Presence in the Lord’s Supper. Oh Lord Jesus, grant us security and certainty through your Gospel. Amen.

Futao Lui
CUI CMC Student

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