Everything comes from God, including the good and the bad!

January 29, Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of St. Joseph Freinademetz
Daily readings: 2 Samuel 15:13–14; 30; 116:5–13; Mark 5:1–20

In the first reading of today, King David walks barefoot and with his head covered. His supporters accompany him. Shimei from the house of Saul curses him, flings dust on him, and throws stones at him. David interprets this curse as if God had permitted it. In Israel, it was believed that Yahweh was the source of all authentic cursing and blessings.

Once God's appointed person utters a curse or blessing, it cannot be retracted (cf. Gen. 27:30ff). Therefore, David thinks it is futile to silence Shimei by killing him. If Shimei’s words are not authentic, then David will find his reward with God. Thus, this episode of David’s life teaches us to face the challenges of life with magnanimity and serenity. 

Jesus reaches out to a demoniac who was living in the land of the dead. The country of Gerasenes is a region where no one wants to go. It is an unclean gentile city known for swine rearing. But Jesus goes there. Jesus proves that he can go anywhere in order to redeem a human in need. But the demoniac tried to prohibit Jesus from entering the region. The man himself was a terror, both for himself and others. His description is more fitting of a ferocious animal than a human being.

Jesus penetrates this ritually unclean and demonic area. The demoniac addresses Jesus as “the Son of the Most High God,” accepting the uniqueness of Jesus’ position in relation to God. Jesus expels and prevails over the demon through his authoritative word. The demoniac identifies himself as a “Legion,” a military term borrowed from Latin. A legion meant the largest troop of the Roman army, with 5600 soldiers. The demoniac is not a split personality but a shattered personality. The demoniac pleads for safety, believing that the demonic forces of darkness dominate Decapolis. It is also a plea for mercy.

Holy Mother Church celebrates the memory of St. Joseph Freinademetz, a great Divine Word Missionary to China. He dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel of God’s love for all people and to embodying this love in the formation of the Chinese Christian communities.  He wished to be a Chinese even in heaven. 

Call to Action for Catholic Living: David’s calmness in adverse situations and considering them as the will of God is a lesson for the faithful to learn and practice in life. How do I face adverse situations in life?