Come forward : Christian Spirituality is coming forward and not going backward

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 3:1-6*

*First Reading - Heb 7:1-3,15-17*

*Come forward : Christian Spirituality is coming forward and not going backward*

*1) Coming forward is a sign of growth*

In today's Gospel Jesus uses this perticular expression *Come forward* 

This becomes the beginning point of the miracle and also of the healing 

Coming forward is always a sign for growth and an indication that something good and beautiful will take place

*2) Coming forward is a challenge*

Coming forward is not an easy task. It is a really a challenging task 

Even to the man who appears in the Gospel, who had an withered hand, had to face a great challenge to come forward 

The Pharisees who were waiting to find fault with Jesus, were also targeting this man, who will take courage to come forward to receive a healing from Jesus 

Coming forward will also risk his life, since the Pharisees were already making a plan to eliminate Jesus 

So coming forward was really a great challenge for the withered man. 

*3) Coming forward worked a great miracle in his life*

The man who came forward, at the command of Jesus, finally witnesses a great miracle in his life 

Jesus cures his withered hand and the hand  was restored. This happened only because he was able to come forward and experience the healing power of Jesus. 

So coming forward always works a great miracle in ones life. 

*4) Coming forward is a sign of courage*

In the Gospel it shows the great courage of two people 

First of all of Jesus: He commands the man to come forward, inspite of the danger involved from the Pharisees. 

Secondly it also shows the courage of the withered man, who made a bold decision to come forward inspite of the opposition from the Pharisees. 

Courage is the another name for coming forward. 

*5) Coming forward also involves a great risk*

Risk because, one will venture unknown things 

Risk because, no one is sure of the end results 

Risk because, one will have to face many challenges in the process of coming forward 

*6) Coming forward is also indicates a chance of place and perspective*

One can not remain in a same place or situation to witnesses a great change

One has to move upwards to realise the great change and good 

The very fact one is able to *come forward* is able to change and adapt himself for the better exposure 

Coming forward from  ones perspectives, narrow thinking, ghetto mentality, jealousy, criticising attitude, prejudices, finding fault with everything is very much necessary to happen a miracle in our life 

*7) Come forward is a invitation to all*

This invitation, which was offered by Jesus to the withered man was also extended to the Pharisees who came to find fault with Jesus 

Withered man *came forward* so he was able to witness the miracle. 

Pharisees and others refused to come forward, rather they went backward, as a result they started to conspire a plot against Jesus, which ultimately made to lose the great miracle in thier life 

*8) Come forward is a continuous process, for better life*

Coming forward is not a one time work. It is a continuous process, which takes long years of life to realise its goals 

Coming forward gives a new hope, new life, new perspective, new vision,  new orientation, new insight and new openings 

Such a variety in life, through the process of coming forward completely changes ones life and makes it better 

*Come forward* which is a beautiful phrase can be applied to every sphere on ones life 

 

*9) Am I ready to come forward*

Come forward to change from my old ways of life 

Come forward to forgive, to share, to serve, to smile, to take risks, to take the responsibility, to love, to adjust etc 

What is my response? 

How do I look at this beautiful words *Come Forward*

Do they make any sense to me?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*