Doing Good Work and Belonging to a particular Group

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26 Week - Monday* 

*GOSPEL - Lk 9:46-50*

*First Reading -  Zec 8:1-8*

*Doing Good Work and Belonging to a particular Group*

*1) Good Work and a particular Group*

In today's Gospel there are two things which are highlighted 

First of all there is an unidentified man who was performing the miracle that is casting out the demon by using the name of Jesus 

Secondly the person who was casting out the demon was prevented from doing so, by the disciples of Jesus because he was not belonging to their group 

Now the issue is good works and the particular group. 

So the question is - is the good work belong to only one group???

*2) The mentality of the Disciples*

According to the mentality of the disciples it is clear that they were of the opinion - only those who belong to their group can use the name of Jesus in casting out the demons

In a way they thought that the person of Jesus, His name and the power of performing the miracle belongs only to them and not to others 

This seems to be a very narrow understanding, a type of gropism and a kind of rigid mentality which is hurdle for growth

*3) Good work is not the property of a particular Group*

Good work can't be restricted to any particular group or person, or culture, or tradition or to particular religion or region. 

In fact good work can be done by any one, at any moment, at any place, and at any situation. 

It can be done by a child or a elderly person or by young person. That is the nature of the Good Work 

*4) The culture of Groupism is on Rise*

Today we are facing a new culture, which is called the culture of Group

Accordingly people are divided based on some group principles and they claim that they are suppose to do good works for the sake of others 

The culture of groupism is becoming dangerous because it is a threat for good work done by other than the group members 

So we need to such groups, which go against the nature of Good work by any one 

*5) Good works does not depend on Group mentality*

There is no connection between these two things 

One need not belong to my group, or to the thought pattern, in order to do good work. 

The concept of good work is a creative concept which has 101 ways and 101 people to do the same 

All need not belong to my group

*6) Am I suffering from group syndrome?*

A syndrome is a kind of disorder, which makes a person to function in a normal way 

A person who suffers from group syndrome, can't accept and respect  others. 

Such a person is able to see only one side, which is only a partial truth, at times such positions are dangerous

Am I suffering from group syndrome?

What type of group syndrome I have,?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*