The conflict of being in the World and chosen by God

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 5th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  John 15:18-21*

*First Reading - Acts 16:1-10*

*The conflict  of being in the World  and chosen by God*

*1) The conflict  between Two*

*The World  and its standardised*

First of all the World has its own standards  which are quite different from that of Heaven 

The World is governed  by power, position, influence, money, pleasure, persecution, injustice, falsehood  etc 

We are in the World who are affected by these things. It is very difficult  to remain unaffected by these things 

*The Heaven and its standards*

Apart from the World there is another reality, which is called Heaven 

Jesus has come from heaven and He does not belong to this world. He belongs to heaven 

The same Lord Jesus has Chosen us to live according to the standards of heaven 

The standards  of heaven  are truth, justice,  Sharing, love, sacrifice, peace, happiness, righteousness, Forgiveness 

So we have been chosen by the Lord for these things 

*2) The Struggle  between these two*

Jesus clearly says you are in the World but you are not of the world 

The World is only a living place, a place for preparation  for the heavenly things 

But the standards  of the World are very much affecting us in our preparation  for heavenly  things 

So we really struggle  between these two

*3) Even Jesus struggled in this world*

When we reflect about Jesus' life, He also struggled  a lot to live His life according to the heavenly  standards 

That is why he had to sacrifice His life on the cross 

The heavenly standards  and Worldly  standards are opposite to each other. So the struggle comes 

*4) I am in the World, but I am chosen by the Lord*

We need to remind ourselves this fact everyday 

This reminder will help us to live our life according to the heavenly  standards 

We can't  run away from this world.  We have live our life amidst  the wkrdly standards,  without subscribing  to it 

So this is a great challenge for all of us. To remain in the world but living according  to the heavenly standards 

*5) what standards  govern my life?*

This is a very important  question, since we have been chosen by our Lord for the heavenly  standards 

If so what are the things which govern my life? Are the belong to the heavenly standards  or do they belong to the Worldly standards?

If I am living my life according to the Worldly  standards, what can I do to shift my life to the heavenly standards?

*Think about it and act promptly*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*