Looking intently at Jesus will help to understand better

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 4:16-30*

*First Reading - 1 Thes 4:13-18*

*Looking intently at Jesus will help to understand better*

*1) The eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him*

Jesus had come to His native place to visit. At the same time He never forgot to visit the Synagogue. 

In the Synagogue as He was  proclaiming the Scriptures the people in the synagogue looked intently at Jesus 

Looking intently means, with deep concentration they were listening to Jesus, as a result they understood the scriptures and also the divinity of Jesus 

That why the people in synagogue, amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

It means they were delighted, thrilled, and were happy to listen to Jesus, which intern helped them to know Jesus and also their own self.

*2) Looking intently at Jesus benefits  in two ways*

First of all it helps the person to know Jesus better, to understand His teaching in a deeper way, and to fall in love with Jesus. This is very important aspect of our life 

Secondly it also helps the person to know himself better. He is able to understand his/her self, his/her attitude and the inner self better 

So it helps in two ways.

*3) Every Christian should look intently at Jesus*

Since Christ is the centre of our life, it is very much necessary that we look intently at Jesus 

Unless we look intently at Jesus, we may not be able to understand His teaching and the values of the Kingdom of God. 

*4) The various ways, through which we can look intently at Jesus*

*Look intently at the Scriptures* Since Jesus is very much present in the Scriptures, looking intently at the Scriptures will help to understand Jesus and also our self better.

*Look intently at the Crucifix*: The sacrifice of Jesus is very much visible on the Cross. Looking intently at the Cross, will save our life for eternal life 

*Look intently at the Eucharist*: The Blessed Sacrament is the most powerful weapon of Jesus' real presence. Looking intently at the Eucharist, will help us to understand the Love commandment of Jesus

*Look intently at the neighbour* : Jesus is very much found in the neighbor, especially those neighbour who are oppressed, marginalized, poor, suffering,  and those who are exploited. Look at intently, and you will find Jesus in them 

*Look intently at your own conscience* Our conscience is God's dwelling place. Looking intently at the conscience will help us to find whether there is Jesus in our life or not, whether we are the Christ or not. But the question is am l able to look at my own conscience intently. This needs a special moral courage. Is there a such moral courage in my life to look the conscience intently???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*