Morning Message: May 7

Jesus was sometimes called by the title, “Son of God.”  The men in today’s reading recognized Jesus as God’s Son.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

When Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him.  They were so fierce that no one could pass that way.  Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God?  Have you come here to torment us before the time?”  Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them.  The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.”  And he said to them, “Go!”  So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water.  The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs.

Think about this silently in your heart.  Pray for an end to violence in our communities and our world.

The real sign here is not the stampede of pigs, but that Jesus is the Son of God and can overcome the powers of evil.

This incident in the Gospels is a revelation of the compassion of Jesus for people like us and that He will do anything he can to free us from the demons, like fear, anxiety or resentment that we have allowed to enslave us. By staying close to Jesus, we have nothing to fear from the devil or the world.

Loving God, as Jesus cast out demons from those who were suffering, help us to do our part to stop bullying and violence and that we may be drawn to what is good and turn easily from what is evil.  We pray in the name of Christ our Risen Lord.  Amen.

Boys and girls, the National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”  Prayer is an integral part of daily life as it offers a rich connection to Jesus and our spiritual lives, nurturing our relationships and faith. It also provides comfort in times of crisis or need.   Especially at this time, it is important for us to come together, to pray together, and uplift our common humanity and pray for everyone.

Boys and girls, I will continue to pray for you each and every day and I humbly ask for you to keep me in your prayers as well.

God bless you, and have a wonderful day!