Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop

Mark 5: 1-20
God sets you free

As pilgrims of hope, we journey together toward healing and renewal, guided by the loving hand of our Lord. The story of the man who emerged from the tombs challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we living in isolation, clinging to lifeless memories of the past? God invites us to leave the tombs behind—to embrace the present and look forward to the life He offers. Isolation and dwelling on the past rob us of the joy and purpose of living fully in God’s grace.

The unclean spirits in the Gospel remind us of the dangers of living in environments of spiritual filth—places of gossip, impurity, and sin. These places trap us in habits that harm our souls and prevent growth. If you find yourself in such situations, do not hesitate to step away. Cutting ties with what soils your heart and mind is a necessary step toward true freedom. God desires to cleanse us, to pull us out of these pigsties, and to lead us to lives of purity and holiness.

The story also shows us the power of God’s healing. The possessed man, once broken and isolated, is restored to health and reintegrated into his community. This is God’s plan for each of us—to heal our wounds, restore our dignity, and help us rediscover our place in the Body of Christ. Your life has immense value, and God calls you to walk this journey of hope as part of His family.

As we walk together as pilgrims, let us remember that our ultimate goal is heaven. Fix our eyes on Christ, trust in His healing, and embrace the life of grace He offers. May we journey together in hope, for with God, every day is a new beginning.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025