The need of Rising from the dead, to have active/holy powers in us

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 17Saturday Week - *

*GOSPEL - Mt 14:1-12*

*First Reading - Lv 25:1, 8-17*

*The need of Rising from the dead, to have active/holy powers in us*

*1) John was beheaded by Herod*

Bible makes it very clear that Herod beheaded John the Baptist for defending the Truth and condemning the evil and immoral life of Herod 

The purpose of beheading John was to silence John's voice and to Hide hide evil deeds 

Herod succeeded in beheading John for His upright and Holy life, but whether he succeeded in completely silencing John was a big question

*2) Herod saw John in Jesus*

The narration in the Gospel makes it very clear that Herod saw the powers of John in Jesus and he was seeing John in Jesus 

This makes it very clear that Herod could not succeed in putting an end to Johns life 

John became more powerful after His death. That's why Herod says *He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.*

*3) Need of death in order to rise*

Rising always presupposes the death 

Herod saw something great after the death of John, that is the mighty powers which have become live 

So death of one thing, give rise to many other things. Without death there is no rising. 

So this is also very important

*4) Death and Rising in our Life*

The principle of Death and Rising is very much applicable to our life 

We need to die in our life, to certain things, which helps us to rise in many things in our life, which ultimately helps us to activate some creative powers in our lives. Such powers helps us to live a holy and genuine life 

Those who are frightened to die, in life to certain things can't rise in life and they will be unable to activate the creative powers in their lives 

*5) What are the things we need to die in our lives*

We need to die to our selfishness

We need to die to our pride 

We need to die to our anger

We need to die to our revengeful attitude, ego, self centeredness, jealousy, bodily pleasures, excessivd desire for wordly things, money, power, position, arrogance, etc 

The moment we die to these things in our life, we are ride again in the following things 

We will rise aagin in humility, forgiveness, simplicity, sincerity, love, sacrifice, selflessness, truth, justice, patience, service, wisdom, spirituality etc 

The life which witnesses in rising these things in life, brings along with them the creative powers, which make us holy, genuine, sincere and courageous persons 

*6)To Which are the things I need to die in my Life?*

This is very important and serious question 

Unless we die no life, and no creative powers 

If so, will I be ready to die to certain things in my life? 

How can I use the principle of death-Rising-birth of mighty powers in my life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*