Reflection for July 1 Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:28-34

Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” 

Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned.  

The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

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Reflection:

Are demons for real?

Demons are real. They are all around us, waiting for opportunities to attack whenever our faith in Jesus grows weak. Yet they no longer appear as the frightening figures we often imagine.

Instead, they work in subtle and deceptive ways, disguising themselves behind the attractions, distractions, and temptations of everyday life. Unless we remain spiritually alert, we may not recognize their influence until they have already drawn us away from God and led us toward sin.

Sometimes, these attacks begin within our own hearts and minds. Evil thoughts, sinful desires, pride, anger, greed, envy, or lust can quietly creep into our lives. If we entertain them instead of surrendering them to the Lord, they can gradually weaken our relationship with Him. What may seem like a small temptation today can become a much greater struggle tomorrow if we allow it to take root.

In the secular world we live in, the devil uses many worldly attractions and distractions to divert our attention from God. He knows that if our focus shifts away from Christ, our hearts can slowly become occupied with the things of this world instead of the things of God. This is why we must remain watchful, for temptation often comes in forms that seem harmless at first but eventually lead us away from the path the Lord desires for us.

Yet we need not live in fear, because our hope and victory are found in Jesus Christ. No demon, no temptation, and no power of evil can overcome Him. Jesus is infinitely more powerful than all the forces of darkness. When we remain close to Him through prayer, His Word, worship, and faithful obedience, He strengthens us, protects us, and gives us the grace to resist temptation and persevere in faith.

Let us, therefore, remain firmly connected to Jesus each day. Let us continually seek His help, wisdom, strength, and guidance, trusting that He is always with us in every spiritual battle. As long as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we can walk with confidence, knowing that His light will always overcome the darkness.

Are we allowing anything in our hearts or daily lives to draw us away from Jesus, or are we remaining so close to Him that no temptation or deception can separate us from His love? May we choose today to surrender every part of our lives to Christ and allow Him alone to reign in our hearts.— Marino J. Dasmarinas