Sunday, December 1 (November 18), 2024
23d Sunday after Pentecost
Eph. 2:4-10; Lk. 8:26-39                               

When the Gadarenian man possessed of the devils was healed, first he clings to Jesus, willing to remain with the Him; then, upon hearing His will, the man goes and proclaims the blessing he has received to the entire city.[Lk. 8:28-39].  Benefactor’s figure is naturally attracting; His will becomes law for the beneficiaries, and the news of the good He has done is unstoppable.  If we only had in our mind all the benefits we have received and are receiving from the Lord, we would have been always grateful, always following His holy will, always loving Him above anything or anyone else.

In the Sacrament of Baptism we are cleansed from deadly consequences of the sin of our forefathers; Sacrament of Repentance liberates us from sins which continually stick to us in the course of our lives; the Divine providence keeps us from troubles, very often unseen to ourselves, and guides our life in the most safe and favorable direction; ─ in a word, anything good which we have is from God.  Therefore, we ought to belong to Him with the fullness of our hearts, do His will and glorify His most holy name with all our works and our entire life, matching with the Gadareneian man whose wisdom has made him an example for everyone.

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