Gospel: Matthew 8:28 - 9:8
We have made the decision to enter the boat with the Lord, to cross over to the other shore, to achieve enlightenment and illumination. What do we encounter on the other shore? First, we find Jesus delivering a man from possession and chains. It is a remarkably shocking scene that causes Jesus to be rejected by the townspeople. People prefer their demons and swine to enlightenment and illumination.
Next, however, Jesus returns to his hometown, a place where he had previously been rejected. Here, however, they bring him a paralytic for healing, and we encounter a second shocking encounter: Jesus forgives the sins of this person and restores them to health. The religious leaders reject this action. Enlightenment and illumination do not come with the acquisition of religious office.
We traveled through the stormy waters where our faith was tested. We did not pass that test. We came to the other shore in order to experience that enlightenment and illumination brings freedom from what possesses us and keeps us in chains, freedom from our sins, and full restoration of our entire being. This enlightenment and illumination only comes from following Jesus along the way
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