ACC ~ Mark 5 v3

FALLEN TO THE DEPTHS

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: Behold where is he, who was promised all the glories of this world, found to dwell— where?—in the tombs! [1] Compassed about with the putrid rottenness of dead bodies. SERMONS 17. [2]

BEREFT OF REASON

Prudentius:

Then a man bereft of reason, dwelling in sepulchral caves,

Bound with cruel and grinding fetters and with raging frenzy torn,

Rushes forth and kneels in worship, as the saving Christ draws near. [3]

HYMN 9. [4]

[1] Cf. Mk 5:3; Lk 8:27.

[2] Cetedoc 0227, 17.38; GMI 97. What has become of the glory of humanity made in the image of God? In the person of the demoniac, humanity seems to have fallen to the depths under the power of the demonic.

[3] Mk 5:2-6; Lk 8:28.

[4] Cetedoc 1438, 9.52; FC 43:63. The redeemer was recognized even by one whose reasoning had become demonically enslaved.