This Sunday’s Gospel – Luke’s version of the healing of the Demoniac – raised an interesting question when we studied the passage at Vestry last Tuesday: is this story meant to be taken literally or figuratively?
My answer was: “Yes.” It doesn’t matter if you believe in “real” demons or want to try to understand the story by putting the modern medical label of schizophrenic on the Demoniac – either way the story is still incredibly powerful. Jesus’ authority is abundantly clear. Legion knows who Jesus is and how powerful he is. The real question is: do we? And are we willing to let Jesus banish the “demons” in our lives? We are all, in one way or another, resistant to change – especially self-change. Equally, we are all comfortable with the phrase: “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t”.
I think this story is inviting us to look at our demons (addictions, times we dig in our heels, etc.) and question whether or not we trust that Jesus has the power to banish them. We are loved by God now. And we will be loved by God if and when we change and let go of our demons. But do we love ourselves now? Do we really trust in God’s love?
Peace,
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, LPC
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