What should we do or What shall I Do?

Gospel Thoughts

*Advent Season : C Cycle  3rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 3:10-18*

*First Reading - Zep 3:14-18a*

*SECOND READING - Phil 4:4-7*

*What should we do or What shall I Do?*

*1) What should we do?*

This is one of the important questions we find in today's Gospel. 

This question is very important because, it makes a person to think about the self responsibility, and accountability

Only when we ask what should I do, we think about doing something from our part. Otherwise we usually show a finger to others and think others have to do. 

*2) Various group of people who came asking what should we do?*

There are three categories of people who ask this question

First of all, the large crowd came and asked John the Baptist, what should we do? 

Secondly the Tax collectors came and asked what should we do? 

Thirdly some Soldiers came and asked the same question, what should we do?

*3) Johns Reply to different groups*

*First Group : The Crowds*

To this group Jesus gives an answer which includes the virtue of Sharing. Those who have two cloaks should give to others and the same logic also applied to sharing of the Food 

*Second Group the Tax collectors*

To the second Group Jesus tells about the value of sincerity and genuineness. One should not cheat another in anything 

*Third Group the Soldiers*

To the third group Jesus tells not to misuse the law and power. They have the duty to protect people and not to exploit them 

*4) What should I do is an important awareness in life*

All those people who change their life for the better experience in one way or the other the question *What should I do?*

This becomes the starting point of their life and finally they are able to see great things in life 

So this awareness is a powerful awareness which can change ones life completely

*5) The Power of What should I do?*

At times it can change ones life 

It can inspire a person for great things in life 

It can help a person to think about his own life 

It touches the core of the being, since the self is involved very much 

It can also give way for creativity, innovations and impossibile things 

*6) What should I do?*

During Advent season this question is very much necessary to our life 

As we prepare ourselves to receive Jesus in our life this question will make us to think and prepare ourselves to receive Jesus 

Accordingly we can highlight the following things 

I need to clean myself 

I need to over come my anger, jealousy, pride, arrogance

I need to practice the virtue of generosity, humility and accountability

I need to hear the cry of the poor and those who are lost 

I need to pray better to welcome Jesus into  my heart 

I need to forgive one another 

I need to be ready to Practice the virtue of sacrifice, love and forgiveness

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*