What more am I doing than others?

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week: Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 5:43-48*

*First Reading - Dt 26:16-19*

*What more am I doing than others?*

*1) One of the important questions during Lent*

In today's Gospel we have this particular question

This question is asked by Jesus and it is directly addressed to us individually

Since it touches to our life, personally we need to answer this question in a right spirit

*2) Ordinary things are done by even by the gentiles*

Loving those who love you 

Sharing your bread with the one who will give back in return. Even beggars  can do this 

Greeting only those who greet you. 

These are the ordinary things which can be done by anyone, even by an ignorant person 

*3) Lent is a time to do more than others*

The season of Lent gives us set of things which we can do or which we are supposed to do

Prayer, fasting, penance, almsgiving, are the common things which are highlighted in  beginning of Lent

But the question is am I restricting myself to only these things? 

What more can I do than others to make this lent fruitful and holy 

*4) Lent is a time to do more things and not merely commanded things*

Doing more things is the real and genuine spirit of the Lent

During Lent we have right disposition to do more things. So it may be helpful to enhance the quality of our spiritual life

*5) What more can I do?*

Will it be possible for me to get reconciled with who I am funding very difficult?

Will I be able to forgive the one whom I really find difficult?

Will I be able to pray for those who do harm for me? 

Will I be able to show my other cheek when they slap on the one cheek? 

Will I be able to humble myself in most difficult situation? 

Will I be able to remain sincere to my conscience? 

*6) Christian life is doing more than others*

Life of Jesus makes this very clear. 

One good example would be washing of the feet and forgiving His enemies from the Cross

Without following this principle *doing more than others* my life has no value in the kingdom of heaven. 

*7) What more am I doing in my life than others?*

Do I have anything to fill under this headings? 

So far in lent what more I have done than ordinary things?

We become special and extraordinary only when we do special and extraordinary things 

So think about it

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*