Divided and Whole

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s first reading tells the story of how David’s kingdom split apart. God has promised an everlasting throne to the house of David, but Absalom, David’s son, has taken that throne by force, overthrowing his father. David and his officers leave the city in sorrow, only to run into a kinsman of Saul, whom David replaced as king. It is another dramatic turn of events among many other dramatic turns of events: just last week we heard of David’s adultery and arrangement of another man’s murder and David’s sorrowful penitence. In Absalom’s usurpation of his father’s power, the Davidic kingdom has been split apart. The gospel reading contrasts with the passage from 2 Samuel by portraying someone who is made whole by the work of Jesus. This man had spent many years possessed by “Legion,” a veritable army of demons. Now he finds himself free of possession, whole as he has never before; he has been healed by Jesus.

His reaction may reflect what we would hope our own to be in a similar situation. This man wants to remain with Jesus. In disallowing the man to remain with him, Jesus entrusts him with a different calling, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you” (Mk. 5:19). And, indeed, this is what the man does. This stands as a powerful model for us in two ways. First, the man recognizes what Jesus has done for him; he gives credit where credit is due. Secondly, this recognition leads him to do Jesus’ bidding, which is to proclaim Jesus to his family.

As we reflect on these readings today, let us also recognize what God has done for us, and let us share this good news with our families and beyond!