Who is my bridegroom today? Where is He?

Gospel Thoughts

*Second Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 2:18-22*

*First Reading - Heb 5:1-10*

*Who is my bridegroom today? Where is He?*

*1) The Speciality of the bridegroom*

The presence of the bridegroom creates a different feeling 

A feeling of happiness

A feeling of joy

A feeling of cheerfulness 

A feeling of festivity 

A feeling of  colourfulness

In a way the bridegroom has the power to create a different atmosphere, which all of us feel at home 

*2) Jesus is the bridegroom*

In the Gospel Jesus is referred as the bridegroom

So the presence of Jesus with us will create a wonderful feeling in us. 

All the above mentioned feelings will be very active, when the bridegroom, Jesus with us.

*3) Today the various forms of the presence of the Bridegroom*

The presence of the bridegroom in our life may be through the following ways 

*Forgiveness* is one of the most effective forms of the presence of the bridegroom

*Repentance,* is another form of the presence of the bridegroom

*Humility* is another powerful way of the presence of the Bridegroom

*Love, sacrifice, Cross, service, generosity, sincerity, trust, truthfulness, faithfulness* are the other ways of the presence of the bridegroom in our life. 

*4) Is the bridegroom with me still?*

When we analyse the various forms of the presence of the bridegroom, the important question is where is my bridegroom? 

Is He still present in my life? 

Am I allowing myself to participate in the joyfulness of the presence of the bridegroom, by forgiving, repenting and loving? 

What is the condition of the bridegroom in my life? 

*5) Am I able to recognize the absence of the bridegroom in my life?* 

The Gospel says, *days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,*

If so there are certain situations in our lives where we have allowed ourselves, to take away the presence of the bridegroom from our lives 

In such a situation are we able to recognize the absence of the presence of the bridegroom? 

Do I still hold to the position that bridegroom is still present in my life, when He is really absent? 

This is a big challenge for all of us face in our lives  

*6) Fasting is necessary to bring back the presence of the bridegroom in our lives*

The Gospel also speaks about the fasting which is necessary

The fasting is necessary to bring back the presence of the bridegroom in our lives 

Only when we realise the absence of the bridegroom in our lives, we will be motivated to fast, in order to bring back the presence of the bridegroom

So it is very important for us to evaluate everyday, about the presence of the bridegroom in our lives 

Always try to live in the presence of the bridegroom. That is the best way of living the Christian life

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*