New Definition of Christianity : One who Works is a Christian

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 5:17-30*

*First Reading - Is 49:8-15*

*New Definition of Christianity : One who Works is a Christian*

*1) Why we have to work?*

First of all God the Father is working  - So we are supposed to work 

Secondly the Son, Jesus is Working  - So we are supposed to work 

Thirdly all the Apostles have worked - so we are supposed to work 

Fourthly, if the Christianity is still alive because, all those who have gone before us have worked - So we are supposed to Work

*2) One who is lazy can't be a Christian*

Laziness does not have place in Christianity. So a lazy person ceases to be a Christian. 

Creativity and newness is at the center of Christianity. These are the central principles of Work 

So work always has a primary place in Christianity

*3) What type of Work*

Jesus worked to build the kingdom of God.

Building of the kingdom of God is the primary task of a Christian. 

Forgiveness, humility, healing, preaching the good news, service, sacrifice, are the central principles of God's Kingdom 

One needs to Work for such things at all times. 

*4) What is the Work if Father, which Jesus Speaks!*

*Conversion* : Jesus gives call to repentance

*Healing* : Jesus was all the time involved in Healing

*Preaching* : Jesus was also involved at all times in preaching and proclaiming the Good news

*Forgiveness* Jesus was all time was working for forgiveness of sins. Finally it culminates in the sacrifice of Jesus 

*Love* Jesus' love was  specially for the enemies, sinners, poor, marginalized, could realise only by working for it

*Service* washing of the feet, shows the real value of the service, for which Jesus worked all the time 

So when Jesus says that My Father is working and I am also working, they are working for these above things 

*5) We have a call to work for above things*

Unless we work for above things we can't be genuine disciples of Jesus 

To work for these above things one needs determination, commitment, humility, goodwill and wellbeing of every one. Only then one can work like Father and Son - Jesus

*6) Am I ready to Work like Father and Son*

All the things which Father and Son are working can't be realised unless one works for it 

If so  am I ready to work? 

Am I ready work for these things? 

Does my work in any way contribute to these above things? 

For what things I am working for in my day today life? 

*Better to think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*