Learn to rejoice with neighbors, when something special happens in the neighborhood

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week -  Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 1:57-66, 80*

*First Reading - Is 49:1-6*

*SECOND READING - Acts 13:22-26*

*Solemnity of The Nativity of St John the Baptist*

*Learn to rejoice with neighbors, when something special happens in the neighborhood*

*1) The great Event - The Birth of John*

When we think about the birth of John, it is not only a great event but more than that it is great miracle

He was born, when Elizabeth was biologically unable to conceive

His birth was announced by an angel, in the temple in a vision 

His conception made Zachariah, unable to speak, but was able to bless God with a loud voice when John was born 

His name was another mystery, in the birth of John 

All these events make, John's birth an extraordinary, miraculous and a great event 

*2) The response of the Neighbors*

When these events happened in the life of Zachariah and Elizabeth, the neighbors were really surprised, amazed and began to think about it 

The reaction of the neighbors were very much positive and encouraging

The Gospel says that *Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her*

*3) A great lesson in the above passage*

Here is a very important point to note 

The coming of the neighbors and rejoicing with Elizabeth

It may appear very simple, but we need to pause for a while and need to reflect about it 

It all happenes in the neighborhood. That is why we need to reflect about it 

There a great lesson here, that we are called upon to rejoice at the great events in our neighborhood

*4) The challenge to rejoice with the neighbors, when there are great things in their life*

At times we fail to appreciate the great things which happen in our neighborhood

The main reason would be jealousy and unhealthy competition between the neighbors

At times our ego, rivalry, disputes, anger, and other issues, become the hurdles to rejoice with the neighbors

So there are great challenges, in our neighborhood, to rejoice with them when there are great things 

*5) Am I able to rejoice with my neighbors?*

How do I see my neighbors? 

Do I see them as challenges to my life and achievements? 

How many times I have rejoiced with my neighbors, because of their growth and some improvements in their house? 

What are the main hurdles in my life to rejoice with my neighbors? 

*6) Where is my Neighbor and neighborhood?*

This is an interesting question. The answer to this question depends on where I live 

If I live in a religious community, each member of the community becomes a neighbor to me 

If I live in a family, every member of the family is a neighbor to me 

If I am living in the society, then every family in the society is a neighbor to me 

In other words, every other human being is a neighbor to me. Am I able to rejoice with them in their greatness? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*