4th Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Monday 29th January 2024

One cannot help but notice that both readings today depict a confrontation between good and evil and how God can bring good even out of evil.

In the first reading, King David, running away from his own son, Absalom, was confronted by a man who cursed and threw stones at David and his party. The man, Shimei, accused David of murder and wickedness inflicted upon his family. David did not retaliate because he knew Shimei spoke the truth and saw the tirade as a punishment for his crimes, thus making him contrite and humble before the Lord.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus and His disciples were confronted by a demoniac in the pagan territory of Gerasenes. Seeing the torment inflicted upon the man, Jesus exorcised the legion of demons from him, casting them into the herd of swine and the man was healed and restored to his sane self.

In both instances, evil was present but good prevailed in the end. God brings good out of every situation, no matter how foul or evil it may appear to be. It helps when we cooperate and heed the call to contrition and conversion. David was contrite while in the Gospel, Jesus intervened on behalf of the man who was possessed and was unable to help himself. Confronted daily with the evils of the world, we too can always choose the path of goodness.

Lord, guide me in all trials to choose You, the source of Good.