The Gospel for this Second Sunday after Pentecost is an interesting episode from Luke 8:26-39. Jesus and the disciples sail across the Sea of Galilee into the Gentile region of the Gerasenes. Upon landing, Jesus is met by a man possessed by multiple demons. When the demons are cast out, they enter into a herd of pigs which are driven mad and drown. This dramatic miracle shows the power of Jesus Christ, and then we see the remarkable reactions of the healed demoniac and of the other inhabitants of the region.
First, let us notice the reaction of the inhabitants. One might expect a positive amazement and perhaps even gratitude that the man and local society had been delivered from a long-standing problem. However, the populace does not react positively. They are more terrified of the divine power at work in Jesus than they had been of the demons afflicting the man. They just ask Jesus to go away.
Secondly, there is the totally different reaction of the healed man. He becomes a healthy and positive person. He is clothed, in his right mind, and in gratitude, he wishes to accompany Jesus. But Jesus gives the man a different mission. The man is called to return to his home in order to witness to God's work in his life. In Luke 8:39 (ESV), Jesus says, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And the man went away, telling everyone he met how much Jesus had done for him.
As Christians healed from our spiritual infirmities, we should seek to follow and serve Jesus. Perhaps, we may be asked to follow Him into new and strange places. Or perhaps, we may simply be asked to return home among family, friends, and neighbors. But wherever Jesus Christ calls us to serve Him, we should be faithful and witness to God's work through Christ.
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