Encounter on the Tombs

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Thirteenth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:28-34*

*First Reading : Gn 21:5, 8-20a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:7-8, 10-11, 12-13*

*Encounter on the Tombs*

*1) Jesus Meets Us in the Place of Death*

The tombs represent death, abandonment, and hopelessness. 

The man lived among the graves, exiled from society, tormented by demons, and stripped of his humanity.

Mark 5:3: *“He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.”*

Jesus intentionally travels across the sea to meet this man. He seeks out those living in spiritual death. 

No place is too dark, no soul too far gone for Christ to reach.

*2) Chains Can’t Cure What Only Christ Can*

The townspeople had tried to control the demoniac with physical chains, but nothing worked. 

His condition was spiritual, not merely behavioral.

Mark 5:4: *“He had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he tore the chains apart...”*

Human systems can restrain outward behavior but cannot heal the soul. Jesus doesn’t chain the man—He frees him.

*3) The Power of Evil vs. the Authority of Christ*

The demons recognize Jesus immediately:

Mark 5:7: *“What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?”*

Even in a Gentile region filled with unclean animals and spirits, Jesus’ authority is supreme. 

Darkness must bow to His presence. 

The spiritual realm recognizes His kingship, even when people do not.

When Jesus shows up, evil has to submit—even in the most unclean places.

*4) Restoration of Identity and Dignity*

The man who once roamed naked among the dead is later seen:

Mark 5:15: *“...sitting there, dressed and in his right mind.”*

This is the power of Jesus: He restores dignity, community, and purpose. The man had lost everything—but in Christ, he finds it again.

The Gospel is not just about deliverance from something, but restoration to someone—God.

*5) Isolation vs. Belonging*

Before Jesus: the man lived in tombs, cut off from society.

After Jesus: he wanted to follow Jesus and was sent as a witness.

Mark 5:19: *“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”*

Jesus reintegrates the man into community and gives him a mission. 

No one is meant to stay in the tombs. Once delivered, we are sent to testify.

*6) Fear of Transformation*

Instead of celebrating, the townspeople were afraid and begged Jesus to leave.

Mark 5:17: *“Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.”*

Sometimes people fear the power of God more than the presence of evil.

Transformation threatens the status quo, and many prefer familiar brokenness to unfamiliar freedom.

What about me?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*