2 Sam 15:13-4, 30; 16:5-13 / Mark 5:1-20
Very often, how we look at what is happening in our lives is a matter of perspective.
For example, a hollow cylindrical object can look like either a circle or a rectangle from a certain narrow angle.
Yet when we have an overall view of the object then we will know it is a hollow cylinder.
In the 1st reading, we hear of David having to flee for his life from his own son Absalom.
As if that is not distressful enough, Shimei, a relative of Saul, came along and cursed David and threw stones at him.
David could have seen this as an occasion to defend his kingship and to wipe off his enemies, which would include his son and Shimei, and consolidate his power and kingship.
But he chose to humble himself before the Lord and commended himself into the hands of the Lord when he said, "Perhaps the Lord will look on my misery and repay me with good ... "
Even in a crisis, David chose to look at it with humility and repentance, and he trusted in God's mercy and even though he had committed a grave sin, he remained faithful to God.
Many centuries late, Jesus, the Son of David, stepped on the country Gerasenes and he was confronted by a man with an unclean spirit, and the unclean spirit was bargaining and begging for mercy.
Jesus replied with one question - What is your name? And that made the unclean spirit realize who it was and surrender to Jesus.
Jesus is also asking us: What is your name? Who are we?
When we realize who we are, then we will get the proper perspective to see who God is and what our life is all about.