Absolutely Alive: Clothed and in my right mind - 29 July 2024

Voices, hype, music; do you sometimes feel as though the world and its noise has invaded your private space in special moments when you want to savour a memory, an experience, or sacred silence? I do.

I recently took my grandchild out for a treat at a popular family restaurant, where she could also have fun in the play-area with other children. The lively activity and cheerful chatter soon became a happy clamour as more children arrived for a variety of celebrations; however, it was the other clatter – the television, raised voices and the singing above it – that made everyone strain to hear what others were saying, and almost shout to be heard. In the mayhem I could no longer think.

In Alice in Wonderland, in the zany scene in which Alice meets the Caterpillar, Alice is also battling to think after some strange experiences after falling down a rabbit hole. When he asks, “Who are you?” She responds, “I hardly know, Sir. I changed so many times since this morning.” And when he demands, “Explain yourself!” She says, “I can’t… because I’m not myself you know… I hardly know who I am right now… it isn’t clear to me.” (https://youtu.be/tf5nCPFBSHw)

We all suffer moments of confusion, at times, through external or personal pressures, but sometimes they reach epic proportions, and we don’t know how to cope, increasing the pressure. Perhaps that was Legion’s situation in our verse today.

When Jesus encounters him, the incessant clamour of countless voices in his mind has usurped his sanity. Driven by an evil spirit, he “lived among the tombs. Nobody could keep him tied with chains any more … He was too strong for anyone to control him. Day and night he wandered among the tombs and through the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:3-5, GNT)

Jesus recognised this tormented man’s condition; he expelled the mob of demons that had invaded his mind and restored his life. He freed him from morbidity with death, healed his wounds and, with his power to reason again, gave him back his human dignity. “When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.” (Mark 5:15)

There’s something sacred about being in one’s right mind.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Let’s bring Jesus our burdens. We need never fear him; he is the epitome of understanding and compassion to all who come in need. He wants to heal us and see us well, restored and reclothed in our “right minds”; he has all power. When we go to him, he takes away our confusion and replaces it with peace. Talk to him today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your compassion to all in need of your healing touch. Give me courage to come to you with faith in your power. Amen