4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Go home to your family.

In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey grows up with dreams of leaving his hometown of Bedford Falls to become an architect in a big city. But a series of circumstances keeps him rooted in his small town. It takes the intervention of an angel to show George how important his life is and how his presence in Bedford Falls has been a huge blessing to so many people there.

In today’s Gospel, we see someone who also wants to leave his town: the man from whom Jesus drove out a legion of demons. Who can blame him? He was probably so overwhelmed with gratitude that he decided he would follow Jesus wherever he went. Or maybe the thought of staying in a place where he had suffered so much was too difficult to bear.

But this is one instance where Jesus actually tells a potential disciple to stay put. Why would he do that?

Sometimes following Jesus means making a dramatic change—like when Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their careers as fishermen and travel with him. But sometimes following Jesus means staying right where you are and making a difference there.

Obeying Jesus, the man in today’s Gospel stayed. He told his family and neighbors what Jesus had done for him, “and all were amazed” (Mark 5:20). Jesus knew that this man needed to be reconciled with his community, not a change of scenery. He also knew that the evidence of his dramatic deliverance could change people’s hearts in a way that even Jesus’ preaching—which shocked and scared them so much—might not.

Staying in the same place doesn’t always look exciting, but it can sometimes take more courage to do God’s work right where you are. Each of us has a different calling; no two will look the same. Jesus knew what was best for this former demoniac, and he knows what is best for you. If parts of your life—a job, family duties, a home—feel stuck, Jesus may be nudging you to make changes. But prayerfully consider a different perspective: maybe he wants you to be an agent of his love right where you are.

“Jesus, help me to grow in holiness and share your message no matter where I am.”

2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13
Psalm 3:2-7
Mark 5:1-20