4th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Monday 1st February 2021

Faith is the most powerful force in the world. It can ‘move mountains’ and give people incredible courage and endurance. Without faith, which is closely related to hope, we wither and die spiritually and psychologically. But faith is not belief in doctrines and dogmas. One can be correct in theology but totally lacking in real faith. Faith is absolute trust in the power, fidelity, love, and guidance of God — even when everything appears otherwise. With God, all things are possible, but our faith is essential in making things happen.

The worst part of severe illness or disability is often the loss of human community. The demon-possessed man whom Jesus encountered lived among the tombs, denied human companionship. Jesus insisted on the demon’s name, for to know someone’s name was to exercise power over them. They were many, but that did not stop Jesus — he commanded them to leave the man.

The man was restored to his normal state and could rejoin the human community. Loneliness and isolation are the plagues of our age, but there is much that we can do about it. One of the kindest and most healing things we can do for someone is to welcome them into community and companionship.

Lord, help me to reach out to those that are lonely and isolated.