Monday 1 February

Week 4 in Ordinary Time

Hebrews 11:32-40; Psalm 31:20-24; Mark 5:1-20

Jesus’ presence

This passage describes Jesus’ encounter with an uncontrollable demoniac who recognised Jesus immediately. His violent behaviour evaporated at the sight of Jesus. Seeing him from a distance, he ran, and bowed down, shouting: “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the most High God?” Jesus called out “Come out of the man!” and the demons obeyed. The demoniac was cured and the demons were drowned. This reading invites us to turn to Jesus for help in times of distress and anguish.