The greatness of the Scribe

Gospel Thoughts

Ordinary Season : 9th Week -  Thursday

*GOSPEL -  Mk 12:28-34*

*First Reading - Tb 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a*

*The greatness of the Scribe*

*1) The speciality of the Scribe*

The moment we hear about the scribe, we have some prejudices in our minds. 

Some times we are tend to think that they are not good people and they always have opposite views about Jesus' teaching 

Another reason for our prejudices may be most of the times the  scribes are associated with the Pharisees

Usually the sentence goes like this *the Pharisees and the scribes*. This may be one of the reasons for our prejudices. 

But the scribe who appears in today's Gospel seems to be a good man for the following reasons.

*2) First of all he came to Jesus*

In spite of many of the scribes had very negative attitude towards Jesus, this scribe comes to Jesus with a Nobel purpose 

In approaching Jesus we can say that

 - He found a right person who could answer his question 

- He found a right person who could show a right direction to his life 

- He found a person who could show the real meaning of his relationship with God and neighbor

By approaching Jesus he solved half of his problem and finally got perfect answer to his question

*3) The Scribe had a important question to clarify*

He came to Jesus with a purpose. He had a very important question to clarify. He didn't come with out a purpose. 

*"Which is the first of all the commandments?”*

This is one of the important questions because it is concerned with ones relationship with God and neigbhour

This question is important because it is directly related to the purpose of our life, goal of our life, and mission of our life 

Since all the commandments are given by the Lord, it is very important know which is the first and important commandment, to live our life with a greater purpose 

*4) The Scribes intention to clarify the Doubts*

The scribe had a intelligent question and also the right purpose of asking the question

He wanted to have a right clarification. Thus is something very nice of him. 

Having a right intention in doing anything is very important

*5) Since he asked question he got an answer*

It is not enough to have a good question. But the question should be addressed to a right person to get an answer. 

The scribe had a good question and he took courage to ask the question. That is why he got the answer.

*6) The Scribe perfectly agrees with Jesus*

When Jesus answered his question, it appears that the scribe perfectly agrees with Jesus and also he is convince of the answer. 

He didn't have anything else to ask and clarify. 

This also shows the power of Jesus in answering the question

*7) You are not far away from the Kingdom of God*

This appears as a great compliment to the Scribe. 

In a way Jesus appreciates the scribe at the same time Jesus also reminds him that he has to still move in to get into the kingdom of God 

*8) My life and the Scribe of the Gospel*

As we see the life of this scribe we need to evaluate our own life

Do I ask any questions which helps me to grow in my spirituality? 

Do I ask the same question which was asked by the Scribe? 

From whom do I seek the answer? From Jesus or from any one who answers according my whims and fancies? 

Do I ask questions in getting the right answers or to show my intelligence or to trap some one? 

So I listen to the answers given by Jesus through the scriptures and the Holy persons? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*