The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew (8.28–34), Mark (5.1–20), and Luke (8.26–39)—describe a demoniac residing in the tombs of the Gerasenes, near the hamlet of Gadara, without any clothes. Jesus healed this man.
Upon his healing, the man asked to remain with Jesus. However, the Lord instructed him to return home and share the message of God’s healing with others, as recorded in Luke.
This authoritative command from Jesus differs significantly from the ones he frequently gave on other occasions, such as to the leper, “Mind you tell no one” (Matthew 8.4), and to the two blind men, “Take care that no one learns about this” (Matthew 9.31). Even after the Transfiguration, Jesus instructed his disciples not to reveal the vision to anyone (Matthew 17.9).
As we receive God’s graces and enjoy his generous gifts, we naturally wonder about the order our Lord gives us today. Are we expected to go and share our experiences, or should we be cautious about revealing them? How should we express our gratitude for the gifts we receive from God? Which example should we emulate—the Gadarene, the leper’s, the blind men’s, or the deaf and mute (Mark 7.36)?
There’s one instance that stands out in Luke’s memory (17.11–19). As Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, traveling through the borderlands of Samaria and Galilee, he arrived at the Jordan valley. Upon entering a village, ten men suffering from leprosy approached him. From a distance, they called out to him, saying, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” Jesus noticed them and instructed them to go and present themselves to the priests so that he could certify their freedom from the disease. As they made their way, they realized they were cleansed. One of them returned to Jesus, praising God loudly and prostrating himself at his feet, expressing his gratitude. Luke notes that this person was a Samaritan, which prompted Jesus to ask, “Were not all ten made clean? Where are the other nine? It seems that no one has returned to give praise to God except this foreigner.
The only time we won’t be transformed into pillars of salt by turning back is when we return to Jesus, praising God with all our might and expressing gratitude for the blessings we’ve received and the abundant life God has given us. This is the authentic way of acknowledging the constant miracles that shape and bless us.
Our most beautiful expression of this truth comes when we surprise Jesus, as the centurion did in Matthew 8.10, or when we prostrate ourselves at his feet, like Saint Gregory of Nareg, declaring that our prayers aren’t driven by uncertainty or lack of conviction, but by a willingness to accept his mercy and a belief in his power as Creator, saying, “Say your word, and I will be cured.” (Prayer 17.2)
Then, we will return home to share and to proclaim the abundant outpourings of merciful grace from the Heavenly Father. With humility, we will announce the great salvation we received from God and extend His mighty protection to all who have the good fortune of encountering our exemplary Christian life.
We will surprise Jesus.
