Father, they are your gift to me" Whom do I consider as greatest gift in my Life?

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 7th Week -  Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 17:20-26*

*First Reading - Acts 22:30; 23:6-11*

*Father, they are your gift to me*

*Whom do I consider as greatest gift in my Life?*

*1) Jesus considered the disciples as Father's Gift to Him*

In today's Gospel Jesus makes it very clear that all the disciples whom He chose considers them as Father's gift to Him 

They are gift because they willingly offered themselves to His service and to Follow him whole heatedly

They are gift because they will be ready even to lay down their lives for His sake 

They are gifts because they will spend their life to proclaim His message and build the Kingdom of heaven on this earth 

*2) Jesus also considers all those who follow Him as the Father's gift*

After the Apostles there are millions and millions of people who follow Jesus 

For more than 2000 years they have followed Him. Today there are billions of people who Follow Jesus 

In the Future there will be billions and billions of people who will follow Him 

All these are Father's gift to Him

*3) Me and You are the Father's greatest gift to Jesus*

Yes. This is the greatest truth that we need to accept 

Father  has given you and me as the previous gift to Jesus. That is why everyone is precious to Jesus 

In this context Jesus goes in search of even the one which was lost leaving the 99 in safe place 

That's why Jesus says *“Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”* John 18:9

*4) Who are the greatest God's gift to me?*

We need to ask this question again and again in our life to find out who are the genuine God's gift to us. Some of the things may be the following 

My Parents 

My family members 

My life 

All the five senses with its extraordinary powers 

My reasoning power 

My freedom 

My Christian life 

My willingness to serve others 

My talents and skills 

My leadership qualities

My wealth 

My Health 

Willingness to face the challenges

Courage in the moments of crisis

*5) Use of the God given Gifts*

Jesus used all the gifts to build the kingdom of God and to serve the poor 

He didn't use it for the selfish purpose or hidden motives 

What about me? 

How do I use these God given gifts in my life? 

The more I use these gifts build the kingdom of God and to serve others they become richer and thier purpose is achieved. 

Let's use our intelligence to use the God given gifts to serve the poor, and to build the Kingdom of God.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*