One Finger Help - Lifting the finger to move/help

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 23:1-12*

*First Reading - Is 1:10, 16-20*

*One Finger Help - Lifting the finger to move/help*

*They will not lift a finger to move them* - Matthew 23: 1-12

*1) Hand and the Finger*

All of us know the importance of our hand. 

Since our hand has five fingers, each of them are important and play a different role. All the same time we can say our hand has five fold when it is described through the fingers 

If one of the fingers are damaged, the strength of the hand comes down heavily and one may not be able to do the normal work 

In this way each finger is equal to the whole hand itself. 

*2) Jesus speaks about using ones finger*

This does not mean that one should not use hand. But Jesus is comparing the hand and the fingers 

If we were to divide the strength of the hand into five fingers equally, then each finger has its own strength in the hand 

So use of one finger means 1/5 of the strength of the hand 

In other words the help of one finger could be understood as a small or minor help, which at times noticed by no one 

*3) For Jesus one finger help is great*

In the Gospel Jesus makes a special reference to one finger help 

So Jesus is highlighting the importance of even small little thing 

For Jesus the quantity is not important, but the quality is important. 

Even the smallest act of charity will not miss from Jesus' sight 

Examples, widows two little copper coins, the two little sparrows etc 

*4) One finger help also reflection of the personality*

One finger help surely shows the nature of the person 

Refusal to give one finger help also shows that the person is indifferent, proud, selfish, and cruel 

Giving one finger help would be the reflection of generosity, care, concern, and love

*5) One finger help is a small thing,  but speaks of greater things*

It is greater because it tells something positive about the person 

It is greater that it speaks about the generosity, goodwill and other great values of the person 

It is greater, because it is the reflection of the personality

It is greater because people will identify the person with *one finger* help

*6)What about my Life?* 

Does this one finger help make any sense to my life and in others life? 

Do I value one finger help in my life? 

Am I able to see the importance of *One finger* help in my day today life 

How can I promote one finger help in my own life and in my surroundings? 

Think about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*