Saturday, June 21, 2025

Second Sunday After Pentecost


Second Sunday After Pentecost
June 22, 2025


Jesus and his disciples arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me" -- for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" He said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:26-39

"When pigs fly" is a colloquial phrase that I love. When my husband worked in a theatre in Denver, one of the tech crew said that with some frequency. It simply means, never going to happen. We find ourselves hearing Jesus encounter a community that was clear about healing the man with demons. They all had given up on him, yet Jesus saw the need and brought healing to a very traumatic situation. The man had probably given up on himself. We humans often give up on ourselves when our illness is overwhelming and chronic. Yet the impossible became possible and the pigs did fly. May we who have faith, remember this lesson in these challenging times. There are more good outcomes and more healings for us from God. What we call impossible is possible in God.  


                                A Litany for the Second Sunday After Pentecost

Gracious Creator, you never give up on us
your love is healing, grace and freedom
and you are always seeking us our for these.
Lord Jesus, free us from the chains that bind us today.
We are afraid there is nothing more for us
we hide the scars, the worries and the pain
yet you see us and know us well and promise more.
Lord Jesus, free us from the chains that bind us today.
This human world is war torn and contentious
yet you bring us new mornings and new life
you put your spirit upon all flesh in every season.
Lord Jesus, free us from the chains that bind us today.
Despite our deep terrors and despite circumstances
you are comfort and renewal at all times.
Lord Jesus, free us from the chains that bind us today.
When we have totally given up and despair
you free us from the bonds of pain and sorrow.
Lord Jesus, free us from the chains that bind us today.
For you are love incarnate at all times
and you are sending healing to us now.
Lord Jesus, free us from the chains that bind us today. Amen.

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