Tony Worner, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish’s Leader of Formation, reads today from the Gospel of Matthew (8: 28-34) in which Jesus confronts two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes.

Tony says we all have our own inner demons to contend with, and perhaps we encounter others who we think are also ‘possessed by demons’. And so, today’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus’ authority over all spiritual forces that seek harm and oppress us. How do I respond to Jesus’ power and presence in my own life? Do I ask God to free me from all that oppresses and holds me in darkness? Am I afraid of Jesus’ power like the townsfolk, who “implored him” to leave the neighbourhood?

Tony invites us to pray:

Jesus, today I give thanks for your power and glory over oppression and darkness and pray that you continue to set my heart free. May I always welcome you into every part of my life.