The deep courage and determination of the Woman

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 9th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk-12:18-27*

*First Reading - Tob 3:1-11a, 16-17a*

*The deep courage and determination  of the Woman*

*1) A special woman in the Gospel*

In today's  Gospel  we come across  a special woman because of an extraordinary  circumstances 

A simple woman faces unusual situation  in her life, which shows her tremendous  courage and determination  in living her life 

In spite of the terrible  situations in her life, she didn't run away from the situation, but boldly  faced this situation 

*2) Woman had faced 7 deaths* 

With the one death of our beloved member of the family we are shattered and we lose hope and courage 

But here is a woman who faced 7 deaths in her life 

These 7 deaths are not some ordinary  members of the family, but her own husbands

Since there is a special bond between husband and wife the separation  is also so painful 

But she could face 7 deaths of her beloved husbands which is something  tremendous  and extraordinary 

*3) She had faced 7 marriages*

One again this appears to be so unusual in the normal circumstances 

People find so difficult  with one marriage. In this circumstances  here is a woman who could marry 7 times (in proper terms - death of the spouse caused another marriage, which is quite normal and morally right) shows her courage and determination  to keep up the tradition  of the time and of the family 

*4) She didn't have any children* 

Even after marrying 7 times she was not able to give a birth to a child 

This must have been a very painful experience  to her 

So in all the ways she struggled  and faced terrible  situations  in her life. But she never gave up

*5) Human beings have tremendous  courage*

This simple woman shows us that, human being  is able to face any situation if he/she is determined. 

If this simple woman had such a tremendous  courage to face all these situations  of life, we too can face  any situations  in our life 

Only we need right approach and direction in facing the situation 

*6) The woman had deep faith in God*

The situations  of her life shows us that she had deep faith in God

With out the aspect of faith, she will never be able to face such situations  in life 

Deep faith in God definitely  helps us to face any challenges  in our life

*7) What about the challenges  of my life*

The life of this simple  woman calls us to reflect about the challenges  of our own life

What are the challenges  I have in my life? 

How do I react to these challenges  or problems  in my life,?

Do I run away from the situation? 

Do I lose hope in God  and blame God for the problems  and challenges  in my life? 

Do I make others responsible  for my failures in life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*