The Power of the demons in Two men and in the Pigs

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Thirteenth Week:  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 8:28-34*

*First Reading : Amos 5:14-15; 21-24*

*Responsorial Psalm : 50: 7-17*

*The Power of the demons in Two men and in the Pigs*

*1) What is the power of these demons?*

The passage shows several aspects of their power:

*Power to control and torment human lives*. The two men were possessed, living among tombs, isolated from society, and so violent that no one could safely pass that way (Matthew 8:28).

*Power to destroy relationships*. They were cut off from family, community, and normal human life.

*Power to inspire fear*. Travelers avoided that road because of the men.

*Limited power*. Although the demons were destructive, they could do nothing without Jesus' permission. They begged Jesus, "If you cast us out, send us into the herd of pigs" (Matthew 8:31). This shows that even evil spirits are subject to Christ's authority.

The demons possess destructive power, but never unlimited power.

*2) How destructive were they in the lives of the two men?*

The destruction was complete in several dimensions.

*A) Spiritually* : The men were under demonic bondage. Their lives were dominated by evil rather than by God.

*B) Emotionally and mentally* : They lost peace and self-control. Their identity was overshadowed by the demons.

*C) Socially* : They lived among the tombs instead of in society. They were excluded from normal community life. People feared them rather than loved them.

*D) Physically* : They became extraordinarily violent. Their condition endangered both themselves and others.

The demons robbed these men of dignity, freedom, and purpose.

*3) How destructive were the demons to the pigs?*

Once Jesus allowed the demons to enter the pigs, the entire herd rushed down the steep bank, plunged into the sea,

and drowned (Matthew 8:32).

This demonstrates the true nature of demonic influence: destruction, chaos, death, waste.

The pigs themselves were innocent. Their destruction reveals that the demons' intent was never to preserve life but to ruin it.

This agrees with Jesus' later teaching in Gospel of John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy."

*4) What is the connection between the two men and the pigs?* 

*A) The pigs visibly reveal what the demons intended for the men* 

The demons used the men as their dwelling place, so they did not destroy them immediately. When they entered the pigs, their destructive purpose became instantly visible. The pigs rushed to death. This suggests that the demons desired the destruction of the men all along.

*B) The pigs demonstrate the value of a human life*

A whole herd was lost. Yet Jesus considered the restoration of two human beings more valuable than the economic loss. This teaches that people are worth more than possessions.

*C) The drowning exposed the nature of evil*

Had the pigs simply wandered away, people might not have understood. Instead, their sudden destruction revealed exactly what evil seeks to accomplish.

*C) People's reaction*

Instead of rejoicing over the healing of the two men, the townspeople focused on the economic loss and asked Jesus to leave (Matthew 8:34). This warns believers not to value material possessions above transformed human lives.

*5) Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the pigs?*

The text does not explicitly explain Jesus' reason, but many interpreters suggest that it served several purposes:

To demonstrate visibly that the demons had truly left the men;

To reveal the destructive nature of evil;

To display Jesus' absolute authority over demons;

To show the incomparable value of restoring human lives.

Overall, the passage is not primarily about the power of demons but about the greater power of Jesus. The demons could enslave, terrify, and destroy, but with a single command Jesus set the two men free, revealing that His authority over evil is complete and that His mission is to bring life, freedom, and restoration.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*