One Man Arrested but Five people continued the Mission

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Ordinary Time : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:14-20*

*First Reading - Heb 1:1-6*

*One Man Arrested but Five people continued the Mission*

*1) The Arrest of John*

The Gospel starts with the note of the arrest of John

John was arrested by King Herod for challenging his immoral way of life 

In other words John was proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and the values of the Kingdom of God - Truth, Justice, Morality etc 

Herod wanted to put an end to these values, in order to continue his immoral way of life. 

So he arrested John and wanted to eliminate Him. 

*2) The arrest of John does not affect the Work of God in any way* 

Soon after the arrest of John, Jesus comes into the scene to continue the mission 

He was seen in Galilee, proclaiming the Good News *This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.*

These are the same words, through which John also started His mission 

So the mission is not stopped with the arrest of John, but it continued with new phase. 

*3) With the Entry of Jesus, a team for the mission was formed*

With Entry of Jesus, the mission starts 

Not only the mission starts, but Jesus forms a team to continue the mission 

With Jesus, Simon and Andrew, James and John get ready for the further mission 

*4) One John arrested but Five John the Baptist arose*

With the arrest of John, another Five people get ready for mission

In other words, when Herod wanted to put an end to one John God raised Five John's to continue their mission 

That is the beauty of God's work.  

*5) No one can put an End to God's Work*

Herod wanted to put an end to God's Work. So he thought by eliminating John, God's work will come to an end 

But he was terrible mistaken. He was not aware that he was fighting against God, and he was challenging God

So ultimately he could not put and end to God's work, rather he put an end to his life itself. That is the tragedy of Herod's life. 

*6) So far no body has succeeded in putting an end to God's work*

In the History we see many people who have tried to put and end to God's work 

People have tried to put an end to Christianity. But history shows itself that, so far none of them have succeeded in putting an end to God's work 

But those people who have tried to challenge God, have dead and gone. 

This is the fact and this is the reality 

*7) Today me in John's place*

As a faithful disciple of Jesus, I have been called to take up the place of John

As Jesus called Peter and Andrew, James and John, today the same Lord is calling you and me to fulfill the place of John. 

If so what is my response? 

Am I ready to take the place of John? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*