MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 2 JULY
July 2, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR – 3rd JULY
July 3, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
2 JULY, 2025
Matthew 8:28-34
At that time: When Jesus came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a, herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Even demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God and acknowledged his authority over them. They were eventually sent into the swine. Surprisingly, the villagers were not happy; they considered their material possessions more important than the life of their fellowmen and hence begged Jesus to leave. It is a tragedy when we pride our financial or material stability over our spiritual liberation. We must at no point value financial, bodily or emotional comfort over and above a closer relationship with God, who cares for all. We must seize every given opportunity that we receive to let Jesus into our lives, no matter what it takes. Let us not give up in the midst of tribulations. Let us value human life more than material possessions.
Sometimes, grace scares us. We say we want God, but when He shows up and starts changing things—breaking chains, shifting priorities, asking us to let go—we get uncomfortable. We’d rather keep our routines, our quiet lives untouched. Because healing demands surrender. And surrender is scary.
But the truth is, Jesus doesn’t stay where He isn’t welcome. He respects our freedom, even when we choose fear over faith. And yet, He still comes, again and again, knocking on the door, waiting for us to be ready.
Maybe we’ve begged Him to leave parts of our lives, even unknowingly. Maybe there are rooms in our hearts where we’ve said, “Not here, Lord.” But grace waits. And when we finally dare to say, “Stay,” healing begins.
PRAYER
O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness, and I feel weak and helpless, help me to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry me, for, living close to You, I shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things.
Lord, sometimes I’m afraid of what You’ll change if I truly let You in. But I don’t want to keep pushing You away just to stay comfortable. Stay with me, even in those places where I’ve shut You out. Because I need Your Presence in every sphere of my life. Without You, I am nothing. In Jesus’ Name I declare. Amen
