The Substance of Faith

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. By Abba Jimmy

We’ve all heard stories of great heroes — those who faced overwhelming odds, who sacrificed everything for something greater. We admire soldiers who march into battle knowing the risk, civil rights leaders who stood firm despite persecution, or even parents who work tirelessly, unseen and uncelebrated, to give their children a better future. What drives them? A vision beyond the present struggle. A belief that what they endure is worth it.

In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of a list of heroes who persevered through suffering, mockery, and even death because they looked beyond this world to something greater. It states, “The world was not worthy of them.”(Heb 11:38) Yet, even they had not received the fullness of what was promised — this promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

In today’s Gospel, we witness the awe-inspiring power of Christ breaking into a world weighed down by suffering. A man possessed by a legion of demons was isolated, tormented, and unable to free himself until he encountered Jesus. It’s important to note that the demons recognized Jesus immediately, crying out, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mk 5:7). They feared Him because when Christ speaks, darkness cannot prevail. His power is limitless, and chains are broken, and the man is restored — “clothed and in his right mind.” (Mk 5:15)

This serves as our hope. No matter how deep the suffering or how long the trial lasts, Christ is stronger. He is not only the fulfillment of the promise; He is the One who heals us and rescues us. But following Christ requires courage. The world may not always understand, just as the people in the Gospel did not comprehend the miracle before them. But that did not stop the man who had been healed. Jesus sent him out with a mission: “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” (Mk 5:19)

This is our mission too. Following Christ is to live as His disciples, to be willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of His Kingdom, knowing that the reward is worth it. It is about proclaiming His mercy — in words and action. How can we do this?

• First, by being attentive to those who are suffering around us. Perhaps there is someone in our own home or workplace who feels forgotten. A simple word of encouragement, a moment of listening, can be the beginning of healing for them.
• Second, by being bold in sharing our faith — not in grand gestures, but in the way we live. When people see that we carry peace in trials, that we love even when it’s difficult, they will ask why. And like the man in the Gospel, we can point them to Christ.

So, if you feel trapped today — whether by sin, fear, or suffering — take heart. “You heard the sound of my pleading when I cried out to you.” (Ps 31:22) Jesus is still working, still breaking chains, and still setting people free. The world may not understand, but “Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.” (Ps 31:24)

Amen.