Obstacles to meet Jesus

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Tuesday

Gospel – Luke 8:19-21

First Reading - Eph Prv 21:1-6, 10-13

 Obstacles to meet Jesus 

1) The Problem of the Crowd

The mother and brothers of Jesus came to meet Him. But they could not meet Him. Because the huge crowd became an obstacle to meet Jesus. 

It is Important to note the word  *crowd*  here which is becoming and obstacle to meet Jesus.

So the *Crowd* became an obstacle to meet Jesus. 

Does this *crowd* has any deeper meaning to my life? Or does this *crowd* has any other implications? 

2) The literal meaning of the Crowd 

In the context the 'crowd' represents the many people who were around Jesus. 

Since these people were around Jesus, people from outside the crowd could not approach Jesus, since there was no way left to approach Jesus  

In this sense the *Crowd* became an obstacle for Jesus' Mother and His brothers  to meet Him. 

3) People becoming an obstacle to meet Jesus 

Like that *Crowd* there are many people today who are becoming obstacles in our way towards Jesus

There are also people who appear who are very close to Jesus, but they do not allow others to meet Jesus. They become obstacles to others.

They are like Pharisees who had the key. But neither they entered nor they allowed others to enter

Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering - Luke 11.52.

4) The meaning of Crowd Today

The *Crowd* today also represents the *things or Modern Gadgets* which prevent us entering into the contact with God.

Mobiles, internet, Whatsaap, entertainment, face book, social networks, serials, parties, functions and other activities of life.

Gossip, hatred, revenge, greed for things, amassing wealth are some of the other things which represent *Crowd* blocking ones vision or way to towards God 

5) The Busy attitude is another face of Crowd

The *crowd* also represents the *Busy* schedule of the Day. 

Today All people are busy with so many things. So busy schedule has become the obstacle to meet Jesus.

Because of this there is no time for prayer and other spiritual activities. 

6) The Crowd within ourself

The "crowd" is also represents our own Ego, pride, jealousy, narrow mindedness, non cooperation, anger, revenge, indifference, and hatred. Such things do not allow us to meet Jesus 

The *Crowd* also represents the so called addiction to drugs, alcohol, junk food, worldly pleasures and attachment to money.

The 'Crowd' also means the ones own comfort zone, power,  position, hidden agenda, selfish motives, name and fame. All these becomes hurdles in meeting Jesus.

The *crowd* also represents the our own sinfulness and inclination to sin.

7) The crowd and the Devil

The *Crowd* also represents the snares of the devils. 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8. 

8) What represents Crowd in my life

Do I feel that there are some things in my life, which act like *crowd*  blocking my vision of the divine or my way towards Jesus 

There are also some things which not only block my way, but at times these things takes completely away from Jesus. 

Identify some aspects in life which act like *crowd* and try to clear this *crowd* which may help to reach Jesus and experience deeply

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore