Неделя пятая по Пятидесятнице

(Rom. 10:1–10; Matt. 8:28–9:1) The Gadarenes saw the wondrous miracle of the Lord, revealed in the expulsion of a legion of demons, and, however, the whole city went out and prayed to the Lord, “that He would depart from their borders” (Matthew 8:34). It is not visible that they are hostile to Him, but there is no visible faith either. They were seized by some kind of vague insurance, according to which they only wished: go past where you know, just don’t touch us. This is a real image of people who live peacefully on their estates. The order of things that has developed around them is not unfavorable; they are accustomed to it, there are no thoughts or needs to change or cancel anything, and they are afraid to take any new step. Feeling, however, that if a command comes from above, then the fear of God and conscience will force them to abandon the old and accept the new, they in every possible way avoid cases that could lead them to such convictions that, hiding behind ignorance, they can live peacefully in old habits. Such are those who are afraid to read the Gospel and the books of the Fathers, and start a conversation about spiritual things, for fear of disturbing their conscience, which, having awakened, will begin to force one to give up and accept another. You might be interested in: