In this week’s Gospel we hear about demons and possession. For many of us these are things that we would dismiss as fiction. Before we dismiss the weight of demonic possession in this text, I’d urge you to consider that the reason people tell stories is to share wisdom and deep truths about life, humanity, ethics, faith. This story of deliverance carries with it truths about identity, restoration, and community.

Mind-boggling. What are some things you consider mind-boggling? Awe-inspiring events like witnessing the birth of a child or being at the bedside of a dying family member? A view of a mountain, a lake, a sunrise, or something in nature? A work of art or music that takes your breath away or moves you to tears?

Jesus comforted the disciples saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” After this it seemed that their worry had been eased, they had been equipped with the strength of community and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Guten morgen. Buenos dias. It was many decades ago that I studied Spanish and later German for a few years. Some words and basic dialogues come back to me. But I am far from fluent!