Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 2, 2025

Date: Wednesday of the 13^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Matthew 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, "What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?" Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go then!"

They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their district.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Matthew recounts Jesus’ encounter with two possessed demoniacs. Jesus exorcised the demons, freeing the men being tormented, and sent the demons into the herd of swine feeding nearby. The swine drowned when they stampeded over a cliff. The townspeople, upon learning of the events, asked Jesus to leave their area most probably out of fear of what they didn’t understand.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I fear the LORD?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son Jesus Christ, Most Holy Spirit, we lift our minds and hearts to You this day knowing that your love for us seeks what is best for us this day and all days. Fill us with your love and give us the grace of cooperation to open ourselves fully to the transformation possible when we allow that love to fuel our lives. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.