Presence

I pause for a moment and think of the love
and the grace that God showers on me:
I am created in the image and likeness of God;
I am God’s dwelling-place.

Freedom

Lord, too often I think I am the one in control of my life.
Help me to see that I am powerless over so much.
I ask for the grace to be able to hand over my life to You
and experience the joy of that freedom.

Consciousness

I remind myself that I am in the presence of the Lord.
I will take refuge in His loving heart.
He is my strength in times of weakness.
He is my comforter in times of sorrow.

The Word of God

²⁸When he came to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two men possessed by demons came out of the tombs and met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. ²⁹Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. ³¹The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” ³²And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine, and suddenly, the whole herd stampeded down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the water. ³³The swineherds ran off, and, going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the men possessed by demons. ³⁴Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their region.

Inspiration

The evil spirits always recognised the authority of Jesus, and they asked his permission to enter the pigs. The townspeople ask Jesus to go away. They are closed to the gift he wishes to give them and are not willing to engage with him. How much do I value the Good News?

Is it to me the pearl of great price, worth giving up everything for? Let us engage with Jesus about this.

Conversation

I settle myself once again after hearing the Word of God. What would I like to take with me into my day? What do I want to remember from today’s reading or prayer time?

Conclusion

I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.

Amen