13th Week in Ordinary Time : Wednesday 5th July 2023

Now that Sarah had a son of her own, she wanted nothing to do with Hagar and Ishmael. Jealousy had taken hold of her heart, they had to go. She insisted that Abraham get rid of them. He did not want to send them away but felt trapped. But God promised to care for Hagar and Ishmael and to make him the father of a nation too. The promise would not come through them but from the son of Abraham and Sarah. God is not unjust and will care for all, even working around our jealousy and negativity.

The demons recognised Jesus and were afraid. The two possessed people terrorised all who passed by. They begged Jesus to send them into a herd of swine. Being in the bodies of pigs – unclean for Jews – was preferable to having any way to torment others. Evil always looks for a place to live. We must always ensure that we do not provide them a place to live and do their wicked deeds. There are many ways to be ‘possessed’ – whenever we lack freedom and dignity, evil is at work. In His great mercy, Jesus restored the two possessed men to their humanity and dignity. Let us always strive to give hope and courage to those who struggle and feel overwhelmed.

Lord, may I be a source of hope to others.