In today’s reflection, we encounter Jesus meeting a man who has been cast aside by his community, living among tombs, stripped of his dignity, and known only by his affliction—Legion. Jesus does not see a problem to be solved or a threat to be contained, but a person in need of restoration. This act of seeing the humanity in another, regardless of their condition or the labels society has placed on them, is at the heart of what it means to follow Christ. Restoration is not just about returning someone to a previous state, but about recognizing and honoring their inherent worth, even when the world has forgotten them.
This call to see the humanity in others extends beyond the pages of scripture and into our own world, where people are often dehumanized for their culture, beliefs, or circumstances. As followers of Jesus, we are challenged to resist the temptation to judge or exclude, and instead to recognize our shared ancestry and interconnectedness. The divisions we create—whether through politics, nationalism, or even the flags we display—often distract us from the deeper truth that all people are made in the image of God.
Today, we also turn our attention to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and to their caregivers. Like the man in the Gospel, those with memory loss can become isolated, misunderstood, or ignored. Yet the good news is that God’s love and presence remain, even when memory fades. Sometimes, entering into the moment with someone—listening to a repeated story, sharing a simple joy, or offering presence without correction—is a sacred act. Healing may not always look like a cure; sometimes it is found in dignity, in being known, and in the faithful love of those who care.
Caregivers, too, are seen and honored by God. Their daily acts of love, patience, and sacrifice echo the faithfulness of Christ. The journey is often marked by grief and exhaustion, but it is also holy ground. In the fragments of memory, in laughter, in questions asked again and again, the gospel is still being told. Our calling is to listen, to love, and to remember that even when things are lost, God’s love remains.
Key Takeaways
- Restoration Begins with Seeing the Person, Not the Problem
Jesus’ encounter with the man called Legion reminds us that true restoration starts when we look past labels and conditions to see the person beneath. Society may define people by their struggles, but Christ calls us to recognize their humanity and worth, regardless of circumstance. This is a radical act of love that challenges us to do the same in our own relationships and communities. [00:57]
- Our Shared Humanity Transcends Boundaries and Beliefs
The divisions we create—national, religious, or cultural—are often artificial barriers that obscure our common ancestry and shared dignity. Remembering that all people are connected, and that Jesus himself was a marginalized figure, calls us to resist dehumanization in all its forms. We are invited to hold leaders and ourselves accountable for how we treat others, especially the most vulnerable. [04:31]
- Presence is More Powerful than Correction in the Face of Memory Loss
When journeying with those affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, the most Christlike response is not to correct or fix, but to enter the moment with compassion. Listening to repeated stories, sharing in simple joys, and honoring the person’s experience are acts of sacred presence. This mirrors how God listens to us, patiently and lovingly, even when we repeat ourselves in prayer. [16:13]
- Caregiving is a Holy Vocation Marked by Both Love and Lament
The daily reality of caregivers is filled with both small joys and deep griefs. Their faithfulness in the face of loss, exhaustion, and uncertainty is a living testimony to God’s steadfast love. Caregivers are not invisible to God; their tears, frustrations, and sacrifices are seen and honored, and their journey is a vital part of the gospel story. [18:47]
- Healing is Found in Dignity, Presence, and Being Known
For those living with dementia, healing may not mean the restoration of memory, but the assurance that they are still known and loved. Dignity is preserved when we listen, when we respond with kindness, and when we affirm the value of each person, regardless of their cognitive ability. In these moments, the good news is proclaimed anew: even in forgetfulness, God remembers us. [17:49]
YouTube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Jesus Meets the Forgotten
[02:43] - Seeing Humanity Without Exception
[04:31] - Our Shared Ancestry and Faith
[05:40] - The Importance of Context and Accountability
[06:51] - The Power We Hold and Global Injustice
[08:04] - Compassion for the Suffering
[09:16] - Political Rhetoric and Responsibility
[10:03] - Nationalism, Flags, and Christian Identity
[12:27] - Honoring Veterans and True Respect
[13:36] - Purple Sunday: Alzheimer’s and Dementia
[14:32] - The Isolation of Memory Loss
[15:25] - Entering the Moment with Compassion
[16:13] - Sacred Presence in Repetition
[17:49] - Healing Beyond Memory
[18:47] - The Holy Work of Caregiving
[20:50] - Prayer for the Forgetful and the Faithful
