Healing the mind

Week 5: Tuesday

Reading

Mark 5.1-4

They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him.

Reflection

We might well prefer to interpret the man “with an unclean spirit” as being mentally and emotionally ill, rather than possessed. Today’s reading describes someone “out of control” who has to be locked away from the community. He is a danger to himself and to others. Curiously, Jesus is the only one who treats the man as a human being. He speaks to him. Addresses him. And, as we will see later this week, asks his name.

Seeing another as a human being is important, especially when considering the treatment of those deemed mentally and emotionally unwell. In the UK, the scandalous fact is that individuals from UKME backgrounds are five times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than white people.

Watch

Notice how mental health is understood and treated in our world.

...and pray

for deeper compassion towards those who suffer mentally and emotionally.

Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.