Thursday. [Gal. 1:1-10, 20-2:5; Mark 5:1-20]

   My name is Legion: for we are many. Spirits are bodiless, and therefore they do not fill or take up space like bodies. This explains why it is physically possible for many spirits to reside in one person. That it is possible morally on the part of the spirits is understandable from their amorality, or absence of all moral principles; while on the part of the person it is understandable from the many-sided contact of the constitution of one’s soul with the dismal realm of unclean powers. But this only explains what is possible; the reality of demonic possession is subject to conditions which we do not have the ability to determine. We can only say that spirits do not always enter in a visible way, and it is not always shown through the possessed person’s actions. There is an unseen, hidden demonic possession; there is also a power of spirits over minds, apart from the body, when the demons lead them wherever they wish, through passions working in them. People think that they are acting themselves, but they are actually the laughing-stocks of unclean powers. What can we do? Be a true Christian and no enemy power shall overcome you.

Friday. [Gal. 2:6-10; Mark 5:22-24, 35-6:1]

   Having resurrected the daughter of Jairus, the Lord charged her parents straitly, that no man should know it. Thus are we commanded: do not seek glory, and do not train your ear for human praises, even if your deeds are of such a nature that it is impossible to hide them. Do what the fear of God and your conscience urge you to do, and behave as though such talk did not exist. Look after your soul—as soon as it inclines the slightest degree in this direction, return it to its place. A desire for people to know is provoked by a desire for praise. When there is praise the goal is achieved; but this undermines one’s energy and suppresses the praiseworthy activity, and consequently suppresses the continuation of praise. Thus, one who wants people to know of his good deeds is his own betrayer. It is a good thing for people to praise what is good—for why wouldn’t someone praise what is good? But do not keep this in your thoughts; do not expect it and do not seek it. Indulge yourself in this and you will be totally spoiled. One indulgence leads to another. Increasing the frequency of the same deeds turns them into a habit, and you will be a lover of praise. When you come to that point, then not all of your deeds will be praiseworthy, and praise will cease. Because you lack praise from others, you will begin to praise yourself, and this is what the Lord called sounding a trumpet before oneself. This is even worse. The soul then becomes petty, and chases solely after tinsel. Do not expect true good to come from such a soul.