What would be my reaction if some one takes my cloak/Tunic

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 6:27-38*

*First Reading - Col 3:12-17*

*What would be my reaction if some one takes my cloak/Tunic*

*1) Not to react to the person who takes away the cloak*

Cloak is a sleeveless outdoor overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders.

If some one takes the cloak, Jesus says, not to react to the person and allow the person, to take the cloak 

*2) To give the Tunic as well*

A tunic is a loose garment, typically sleeveless and reaching to the knees, as worn in ancient Greece and Rome.

In other words it is a close-fitting short coat as part of a uniform, especially a police or military uniform.

Jesus says *do not withhold even your tunic* The moment we withhold the things, we refuse to give the tunic.

*3) The need of the Tunic and cloak*

There is a difference between need and greed

When it comes for greed one can survive without the things to which one is greedy for 

When it comes for need, it is understood as something without which one can't survive 

So the cloak and tunic belong to the group of needs and not to the group of greed

*4) How to understand the readiness to give the cloak and tunic*

When Jesus says that *From the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic*, it is not necessary to understand it in a literal sense

We should understand it in a more deeper way, or we need to read the meaning of it, in a different way.

There is a deeper meaning in this sentence.

*5) Deeper meaning of the cloak and Tunic*

If the person is ready to give even the most needed things, it shows the level of commitment of the person 

It also shows the total detachment of the person 

If the person is ready to give his/her tunic and cloak, such a person is not attached to anything else 

It is the sign of total detachment 

*6) Total detachment is necessary to follow Jesus*

Such a commitment and total detachment is very much needed and necessary for the follower of a Christ

One who refuses to give the cloak and withholds the tunic is not worthy of becoming disciples to Jesus 

*7)What are the cloaks and tunics which I find it difficult to give up*

There are many things, which take the place of cloaks and tunics in our lives.

Some times our own ego, status, position, power, wealth, and other material things

Some times our pride, anger, revengeful attitude, selfishness, narrow mindedness etc., take the place of tunics, and cloak

Am I finding difficult to detach myself from the above things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*