Lifting up from the Earth to draw all People

Gospel Thoughts

*Fourth Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - John 12:20-32*

*First Reading - 1 Cor 9:19-27*

*Feast of St John De  Britto*

*Lifting up from the Earth to draw all People*

*1) When Something is lifted high can be seen by all*

When something is lifted high, it can be seen by all 

In fact the things are kept in a high place in order to be seen by all 

When something is on the high place, automatically the attention captures the scene. 

So things or the realities which are at high places or which are exposed will definitely has special power to capture the attention. 

*2) Support is needed to keep something on high place*

Things can't be kept in the air. Something that we want to keep on high place, needs some material or support system for the same 

If there is no support system things can't be kept in a high place 

*3) Cross was Jesus' Support system to lift Him high from the Earth*

Many people use many things either to lift the things or to keep the things in a high place 

Jesus' instrument was Cross, Which lifted Him high from the earth 

Cross becomes important instrument which lifted Jesus and showed Him to the entire world.

*4) Lifted Jesus on the Cross*

This is a powerful image in the entire world. There is no other powerful image than this 

As Jesus said, *When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself*

These words of Jesus have become reality in the human history because

Lifted Jesus on the Cross can be seen by all

Lifted Jesus on the Cross, is a powerful image so it captures the attention of everyone 

Lifted Jesus on the Cross, is an unusual image, which makes people to think when someone looks at it 

Lifted Jesus on the Cross is not a very comfortable and luxurious image, but it is the sacrifice of ones life, which communicates a very powerful message 

Lifted Jesus on the Cross captures the attention  of the people to think about the reality and facts on why Jesus is lifted on the Cross

Lifted Jesus on the Cross, is the image which is found every corner of the World, that is why it can capture the attention of many people 

Lifted Jesus on the Cross can not be kept in a hidden place. It has to be placed in a public place where people can see it. That is the nature of the Cross

Lifted Jesus on the Cross shows the love and sacrifice of God for the human being. So automatically it captures the attention

Lifted Jesus on the Cross is seen as a human being just like us. So once again it draws our attention in a powerful way, because it is not a very easy image to see. 

Lifted Jesus on the Cross not only captures our attention, but it also keeps our attention for long time in this image. That is the power of the Cross. 

We are never tired of seeing Jesus lifted on the Cross, and each time when we see it reveals deeper truths about salvation, God's love and sacrifice

*5) Lifting up is not a easy process*

Climbing is always a difficult and challenging task.

Like wise lifting some one on the Cross is not a easy task. 

It is not like other things which are kept on the supportive system and kept things are very comfortable on the supportive system 

The support of the Cross is very important but it is also very painful support. 

Cross gives support only through the nails and without nails no Cross is possible 

Lifted on the Cross, through the nail is a powerful image and very painful and scarifying image 

*6) For Christians Cross in the only way to be lifted High in life*

As Jesus was lifted on the Cross, which captured the attention of millions of people through out the centuries, the same Cross is also our strength to lift high 

The lifted Jesus on the Cross has not changed its significance even after 2000 years. 

Many have been lifted high on power, authority, money, position, revenge, greed and so on. But none of them have survived. All of them have collapsed and gone without name 

But Jesus who was lifted on the Cross, remains still as a powerful reality  to all us 

Like wise if we are lifted high on the same Cross, will remain for ever.

*7) The various Crosses on which we can lift or hang ourselves*

The Cross of service

The Cross of Love

The Cross of forgiveness 

The Cross of humility

The Cross of generosity

The Cross of sharing 

The Cross of smile 

The Cross of sacrifice

*7) John De  Britto offered himself to be lifted on the Cross*

He allowed himself to be lifted on the Cross of martyrdom

He allowed himself to be lifted on the Cross of sacrifice, humility, zeal for Christ

That is why he is still able to capture the attention of many to himself

*9) On which Cross, have I lifted myself?*

Cross of Christ 

Or 

The Cross of this world?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*