Why Jesus sent His disciples first only to the House of Israel?

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 1st Saturday

GOSPEL Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

First Reading - Is 30:19-21, 23-26

*Why Jesus sent His disciples first only to the House of Israel?*

*1) Jesus' Clear instruction to go Israel*

When Jesus sent His disciples out for the mission He gave them some necessary instructions. 

One among the instructions is about, where they have go for mission. 

Jesus tells them *Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel*

Why Jesus concentrates only on the House of Israel and not others? 

*2) The meaning of Israel at different levels* 

*A) In the context the Israel represents the People of God.*

They are specially chosen people of God - the Jews. So Jesus sends His disciples to the Lost Israelites, to being them back. 

*B) Secondly the Israel represents my own life*

At times my life is like the Israel. I might have lost many things in my life : for example, integrity, humility, faithfulness, commitment, determination, vigour, creativity, novelty, humour, and at time even a small and simple smile 

If I have lost the above things pay attention to these.

*C) Israel is My own family*

Is there anything that I have lost in my family? 

Family duties and responsibility, cooperation, concern for each other, etc

Have I lost my children due to my busy schedule or children are busy with modern gadgets, or social networks? 

Have a lost family prayer, peaceful atmosphere, service minded attitude? 

*d) Thirdly Israel represents my own surroundings and the society*

Do I know who is living in the next door to my house? 

How is my relationship with the neighbour? Anything have I lost there? For example, trust, confidence, love, belongingness, sharing etc 

*e) Israel represents, my parish, my workplace, and  my relationship with many*

What have I lost in the above places? 

Peace of mind, commitment, happiness etc 

So the Israel is very much closely connected to our life situation. 

*3) Put the order in the House first*

For Jesus,  Israel was His own nation and people were chosen by the Lord. So Israel was Jesus house 

First mission consists in putting the house in order. Unless the house is in order, no other work can be done. 

So Jesus pays attention, first to His own household, to put the things in right perspectives

Once the house is in order, then any other mission becomes more effective. 

So Jesus pays special attention, first of all to put the house is in order. 

*4) First Put your life in order with the Help of Jesus* 

This is one of the first and important work to be done by everyone

Since our lives are not perfect we need to pay attention to set it right 

Find what are the things lost in ones life and need to restore it. 

*5) Once the House is in order, mission becomes effective* 

When the house is in order or when our life is in order, our mission becomes more effective and more commanding

Such a mission has more witnessing value. 

*6) Today the Church has become the lost Sheep of Israel*

We have lost many things, for example, The unity, because we have more divisions, The true spirit of Christ, the True kingdom values like forgiveness, service and Love. 

There are also other many things we have lost

*7) Today the primary mission consists in going to the lost sheep of Israel*

This Israel is my own life, family, church, society where I live, my work place and so on 

What is the lost sheep of Israel in my Life? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*