Homily for Wednesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel reading presents an unsettling story about two people possessed by demons. They were entirely out of control and prevented others from entering their area. Living among the tombs, they seemed more dead than alive, embodying the essence of outsiders. However, Jesus engaged with them, and as a result, they were healed, restoring their relationship with their community. Having just calmed a storm at sea, Jesus also calmed the turmoil in the minds and spirits of these two possessed people.

Although we may never experience the same level of turmoil as the two individuals in the story, we all find ourselves feeling out of sorts from time to time—disconnected from ourselves and others, feeling only half alive, and tossed about by our circumstances. In those moments, we need to come before the Lord, just as the people in the Gospel did.

Initially, their approach to the Lord was aggressive and angry, asking, "What have you to do with us, Son of God?" When we are distressed, our first reaction in prayer can mirror this aggressive approach. However, Jesus is never put off by our inner turmoil. If we allow Him, He will pour His peace into our hearts and calm us, just as He calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee.