Journey to Jerusalem through Samaritan village

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 9:51-56*

*First Reading -  Zec 8:20-23*

*Journey to Jerusalem through Samaritan village*

*1) The identity of the Samaritan people*

Jews considered that Samaritans were not pure blood people. Because they had relationship with other pagan tribes. So their blood was contaminated and impure 

Because of this they were spiritually corrupt people and pagan foreigners.

They created their own religion and temple which Jews considered as heresy 

When Jews returned to rebuild Jerusalem, they were opposed by Samaritans. So the enminty grew further 

To the Jews, a Samaritan was more revolting than a Gentile (pagan); Samaritans were half-breeds who defiled the true religion.

That's why Jews hated the Samaritans and there was lot enmity between them 

*2) The place of Jerusalem*

For Jews Jerusalem was a holy and sacred place. It was the place of their identity

Jerusalem was a place where the great Temple existed and every Jew would visit this place 

Jerusalem was a place of God's dwelling and God's presence was very much felt at the temple of Jerusalem

So Jerusalem was everything for Jews and it was their pride and identity

Symbolically Jerusalem represented the Eternal city to which every one shuoud go 

*3) Jesus' journey to Jerusalem*

Today's Gospel says that Jesus was determined to go Jerusalem. 

It was a very important journey for Jesus because through this journey He would accomplish His mission 

Apart for this physical journey, a journey towards eternal city, to heaven is also could be seen here

*4) Journey to Jerusalem through Samaria*

As we know that Jerusalem and Samaria stand in two opposing directions. 

Jerusalem stands for holiness, eternity and to heaven 

Samaria stands for problems, wordly things, hurdles, challenges, non cooperation, difficulties, uncertainties, sin and evil things 

So Jesus' journey to Jerusalem happens through Samaria and in the Samaritan village  something happens

That's why the disciples were angry and they asked Jesus  *Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven  to consume them?”*

This reaction of the disciples shows the gravity of enmity between Samaritans and Jews

*5) Our journey to Jerusalem - Heavenly city*

Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was not easy

Like wise our life's journey to  so called Jerusalem that is heaven is not easy 

It will have to pass through Samaritan villages, where there is no welcome, no cooperation, where there is frustration, a kind of desperate situation, a challenging position, a situation to take revenge, a situation to get angry etc 

This is the part and parcel of our life's journey towards our heavenly Jerusalem 

*6) What is my Reaction in life's journey*

When my life's journey is faced with the Samaritan village what's my response? 

Is it like the disciples to get angry and to take revenge on them?

Is it a kind of prayer to destroy them? 

Do I wish to use things like fire to destroy them and tk procced in my journey? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*