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Explanation for:
Matthew
8
:
31
And the devils besought him, saying: If thou cast us out hence, send us into the herd of swine.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Since demons could only inhabit swine when granted permission, they can certainly not invade the image of God without divine consent."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Unworthy servants appeal to the one who is deserving of their request: Allow us to enter the swine. The impure implores to be released from confinement into swine, for they cannot rid themselves of their foulness, but can merely exchange it. Allow us to enter the swine. Those who have been cast down from heavenly realms seek the defilement of a filthy pigpen, longing for a filthy sanctuary after having dwelled in the heights. Permit us to join the herd. A herd is led into a group, symbolizing the multitude of demons, thereby revealing that these two individuals bore what the herd of swine was unable to sustain."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Unable to directly harm the people, they resort to attacking their possessions as a demonstration of their animosity. Furthermore, a much graver scheme is in motion. Their intent is to extinguish the swine, aiming to leave the owners in sorrow over their loss, which would lead them to reject Jesus and consequently incur even greater detriment by turning away from the joyful message of the gospel. Even in their expulsion, they continue to inflict damage. Yet, what is to be said of Christ?"},{"author-name":"Dimitri of Rostov","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b083687b06aec81fcf3_Dimitri%20of%20Rostov.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":17,"exegesis-text":"The Lord once expelled a multitude of demons from a man who was possessed, as they pleaded not to be cast into the abyss but rather into the nearby pigs. He granted their request, allowing the unclean spirits to leave the man and enter the swine, which they did as if it were their natural dwelling. Two Western theologians, Augustine and Peter Chrysologus, address two intriguing questions regarding this account. First, they ponder why the demons chose to possess filthy pigs instead of noble creatures like lions, elephants, or deer. Secondly, they question why the Lord did not prevent them but rather commanded them to go into the pigs, despite not granting their previous requests. They had asked for extraordinary things, such as turning stones to bread and tempting Him to leap from the temple, but to those pleas, He remained unyielding. The answer given is straightforward: all things are drawn to their kind. The essence of demons is unclean. Thus, when casting out the demon, the Lord declared, “Come out, unclean spirit, from this man.” Pigs are equally unclean; they dwell in filth, and consuming their flesh was prohibited in the Old Testament. Therefore, it is fitting for the unclean spirits to inhabit unclean pigs, reinforcing the principle that like attracts like. Chrysologus notes that the demons desire to reside in vile beings, reflecting their own nature. Augustine adds that Christ’s command for the demons to enter the pigs indicated that they inhabit those whose lives are immersed in moral depravity, akin to pigs in filth. The individuals depicted as swine, who metaphorically wallow in sin, are indeed those who indulge in physical impurities. As St. Chrysostom asserts, the allure of carnal pleasure corrupts humanity. Within such individuals, the devil dwells, and they become indistinguishable from the possessed, exhibiting traits of shamelessness and moral depravity. Where impurity exists, there the demon is present.\\n\\nThere is a narrative shared by Prosper concerning a maiden from Arabia living in Carthage, who wore monastic attire. Upon seeing a shameful depiction of the idol Venus, she entertained impure thoughts, which eventually led to the indwelling of a demon that tormented her. This narrative illustrates how even mere contemplation of impurity can invite demonic influence. We must remain vigilant, dear brethren, against moral contamination lest we become ensnared. “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, doing holy things in the fear of God.” Let us honor those who endured death for the sake of purity.\\n\\nThe demons entreated Jesus, saying, “If You cast us out, please allow us to go into the swine.” Jesus replied, “Go.” My beloved congregation, while discussing demons and swine may seem daunting, we cannot overlook this message from the Gospel read during the Divine Liturgy. It is essential that we take heed of this account. The demons’ request to inhabit the pigs is both remarkable and troubling, as is the Lord's willingness to grant this request. Astonishingly, the proud demons did not seek to enter majestic beasts but rather these despised animals. It is equally striking that the Lord, who rebuffed their earlier pleas, did not object but rather commanded them, saying, “Go.” \\n\\nThe rationale behind the demons’ desire to enter swine is their affinity for what mirrors their own unclean nature. Pigs can be seen metaphorically representing individuals living in sin, indulging in sensual impurities. St. Chrysostom elaborates on this comparison, indicating the depths of degradation associated with succumbing to such desires. The unclean sinner becomes enshrouded in filth, just as the pig wallows in mud. Furthermore, the demons revel in the company of prodigal individuals, as they figuratively find their abode in the lives of those who stray into sin. \\n\\nThus, Augustine clarifies that the Lord’s command for the demons to enter swine illustrates their dominion over those who lead immoral lives. The reality is that the devil exerts control over individuals living in uncleanliness, marking them as his true followers. The Apostle asserts that “he that commits sin is of the devil.” Moreover, those who engage in immoral acts are no different from idolaters, forsaking the grace bestowed upon them through baptism. Ultimately, he who succumbs to such vices is as much an idolater as one who bows to physical idols, for they serve the passions which consume them.\\n\\nThe sage admonishes that the very grace received through baptism can be sullied by yielding to sin, thereby renouncing Christ through actions that defile the body. A Christian’s body is not merely their own; it is the temple of the Lord and should not be tainted by immoral actions. If one can grasp the gravity of driving out the Lord from His own temple, the appropriate fear of His judgment should compel us to pursue holiness.\\n\\nThrough allowing the demons to enter the swine, the Lord reveals the severity of His judgement on sinners. “And the herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.” This signifies the swiftness of divine retribution upon those who disregard His commandments. The eternal consequences of immorality are dire, leading to punishment, darkness, and torment imposed by the very entities one chooses to serve.\\n\\nMay the Lord extend mercy and lead us to repentance. Amen."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"In a distant location from where the possessed individuals were, there existed a sizable group of pigs. The demons implored Jesus Christ, saying, \\"Lord, if you cast us out from these men's bodies, allow us to enter into the herd of swine.\\" Consider the authority of the presence of the Lord Jesus and the impotence of the demons, who, if they can harm pigs without God's consent, how much more so could they harm mankind, made in the image and likeness of God! Just as the Lord Jesus' presence expelled demons, the symbol of the cross and the calling upon His sacred name continue to drive them away. \\"At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth\\" (Phil 2:10). Therefore, when demons come to tempt you, you can, if you desire, send them far from you by making the sign of the cross and invoking the name of Jesus Christ. Now, let us return to the connection of the Gospel message before us. The Lord graciously granted the demons' request."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Into the flock of pigs: into the forms of feeding swine. The unclean spirits anticipated being cast out from the afflicted and sought permission to inhabit the animals, intending to cause distress to their keepers through the loss of the pigs, to prevent them from receiving Christ (Theophilus). This request indicates that the possessed were troubled by numerous unclean spirits rather than just two, one for each person. According to Hebrews, Luke mentions that there was a legion present in one individual (Luke 8:30)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If you prohibit the torment of individuals, then at the very least permit them to inflict pain on swine. For demons endure unimaginable anguish, as they are unable to cause harm to anyone without the consent of God."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Desiring to stay for a while in that region largely populated by non-Jews, the evil spirits requested to be allowed to enter the swine, whose herd was feeding nearby."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Witnessing the conclusion of their control over the afflicted man, the evil spirits pleaded with Christ to permit them to inhabit a sizable herd of swine that were pasturing on the hillside. These pigs were tended by the Gerasenes, possibly for the sustenance of the Roman legion stationed in the vicinity, or perhaps for the local population, who in this isolated region did not strictly adhere to the teachings of Moses."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The malevolent spirits implored Christ, requesting to be sent into the herd of swine instead of being cast away. The Lord Jesus promptly granted their plea, instructing them to go. St. John Chrysostom explains that He complied with the demons not because He was persuaded by them but for significant reasons: so that the people in those regions would witness His divine power, and the wickedness of the demons would be made evident through the deliverance of those tormented by them. This also demonstrated that the demons could not even harm swine without the express permission of the Almighty. Once the evil spirits exited the man, they entered the pigs, causing the entire herd, which consisted of about two thousand animals, to rush down a steep bank into the sea, where they ultimately drowned."}]}
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