MARK 05:01–20
HEALING OF THE GERASENE DEMONIAC
Text – Mark 5:1–20
1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes.
2 When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him.
3 The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.
4 In fact, he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.
5 Night and day among the tombs and on the hills he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.
6 Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him,
7 crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!”
8 (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”)
9 He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.”
10 And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.
11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside.
12 And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.”
13 And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned.
14 The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened.
15 As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind, and they were seized with fear.
16 Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine.
17 Then they began to beg him to leave their district.
18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him.
19 But he would not permit him, but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”
20 Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him, and all were amazed.
Historical and Jewish Context
The territory of the Gerasenes lay on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, part of the Decapolis—ten Hellenistic cities with predominantly Gentile populations. The presence of swine confirms the non-Jewish setting, as pigs were considered unclean under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:7). The man possessed by a “legion” of demons symbolized complete domination by evil, since a Roman legion consisted of about six thousand soldiers. Living among tombs, he was ritually impure and socially isolated, representing the depths of human misery. When Jesus expels the demons, sending them into the swine that plunge into the sea, it recalls God’s deliverance of Israel through the drowning of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14). The people’s fear and request for Jesus to leave reveal how divine power often unsettles those attached to comfort or profit, while the healed man’s mission to proclaim God’s mercy in the Decapolis marks the first evangelization of the Gentiles.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This miracle demonstrates Christ’s absolute authority over evil spirits and His compassion for the afflicted. The man’s liberation reveals the mission of Jesus as Savior, who restores dignity and communion to those enslaved by sin and isolation. The demons’ plea and immediate obedience show that even the powers of darkness are subject to His command. Their destruction in the sea signifies the cleansing of evil and the triumph of divine mercy.
Theologically, this passage also foreshadows the Church’s mission to the Gentiles. The healed man, sent to proclaim God’s mercy, becomes the first missionary to non-Jews—an anticipation of the universal Gospel. The story further symbolizes the sacramental life: the possessed man, freed and restored to his “right mind,” represents the soul renewed through grace, particularly in baptism and reconciliation. Jesus’ refusal to let him follow physically but commissioning him to witness spiritually shows that discipleship extends beyond proximity—it is fidelity to mission.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 65:4 – Evil spirits dwelling among tombs.
Exodus 14:27–28 – The drowning of Pharaoh’s army, symbol of divine deliverance.
Matthew 8:28–34 – Parallel account of the healing of the demoniacs.
Luke 8:26–39 – The same event with emphasis on the man’s restored dignity.
John 8:36 – “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Key Terms
Legion: Symbol of the overwhelming and organized nature of evil.
Unclean spirit: Representation of all that defiles the soul and separates it from God.
Sea: Biblical image of chaos and destruction subdued by divine power.
Right mind: Restoration of wholeness, peace, and communion with God.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is read to remind believers of Christ’s victorious power over sin and evil. It is often proclaimed in contexts focusing on healing, deliverance, and conversion. The story reflects the Church’s sacramental ministry of reconciliation and exorcism, through which Christ continues to free souls from bondage. It also reinforces the missionary call of every Christian—to testify to the mercy of God in one’s own life.
Conclusion
The healing of the Gerasene demoniac reveals Jesus as the conqueror of evil and restorer of humanity. His word brings peace where there was torment, community where there was isolation, and mission where there was despair. The once-possessed man becomes a herald of divine mercy, showing that every encounter with Christ transforms us from bondage to mission.
Reflection
Do I believe in the power of Christ to free me from the forces that enslave my soul—fear, sin, addiction, or pride? Like the healed man, I am called to witness to God’s mercy in my life so that others may find hope and freedom in Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Savior who commands the storms and silences the demons. Free me from everything that binds me, and restore peace to my mind and heart. Strengthen me to proclaim Your mercy to others, that all may know the power of Your saving love. Amen.