What's your story?

Readings for Monday February 1, 2010

First Reading: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 3
Gospel: Mark 5:1-20


And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed. (Mk 5:14-20)

Today we read the gospel story of the healing of the Gerasene demoniac. This man had been possessed and tormented by demons for so long, but all of that changed the moment Jesus came into this man's life. It is no wonder why the man didn't want to leave His side. But Jesus had a different plan for this man, just as He does for all of us. This man did as he was told and went back to his family and friends to preach the miracle that God has done for him. It says that all were amazed, and I am sure that even better than that, all began to believe in the name of Jesus. That man who was healed in today's gospel story teaches us that we need to listen to God when we are called to proclaim the good news and the miracles that God works in our lives, and we should never let these opportunities get away from us.

Today we read the story of the man who was possessed and healed, so we know his story, but what is yours? What miracles or blessings has God bestowed upon you? Are we actively sharing the grace God has given us with all those around us? If you have never taken the time to sit down and think about what your story is or about how God has worked in your life; take a few moments today or whenever you have free time to think and reflect on your life. I would also recommend writing this down. I think that it is amazing to look back and see how God has worked in our lives and to realize how different we are today than we were so many years ago. After doing this, don't be afraid to share your story with those around you. Friends, family whoever will listen, or who ever you think can benefit from your story. Regardless of how many people you share with, it is always a blessing to see how God has worked in your life and how much love and mercy He has poured out on all of us.

May the Lord continue to bless each of our lives and may we all realize how much we are loved and cherished through our own stories.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for blessing us in our lives and in our faith journeys. Lord, thank you for your abundant love and mercy, help us to have a hear that is always full of thanksgiving, and may we share your love with the world. We pray for all those in need of conversion and you are furthest away from you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.