The opening of the gospel reading is not a direct quote from Scripture, but as often happens for liturgical readings, the opening verse is modified to give context and continuity with the Gospel text itself. In Scripture the context is that Jesus and three disciples (Peter, James, and John) are descending from the mountain top and the event known as the Transfiguration of the Lord. The quote from Mark 9:14 is “When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.” It loses the location and leaves “they” undefined. For the gospel proclaimed they borrow from previous verses in Mark 9 to provide us with: “As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.” (Liturgical reading)
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Following along in Matthew’s gospel, we recall the previous narrative was about the calming of the storm that beset the apostles while they and Jesus were crossing the lake. They arrive at their destination, a place known as the Gadarenes – among the Decapolis – 10 gentile cities on that side of the lake.. Here Jesus was met by two people possessed by demons who completely controlled the two people. While people are often blind to the true identity of Jesus, the demons clearly have an insight into Jesus’ identity. “What have you to do with us, Son of God” – not Jesus’ usual self-reference as Son of Man. “Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”
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