The Purpose of Jesus' Going to the Galilee

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*Monday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 4:12-17; 23-25*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 3:22-4:6*

*The Purpose of Jesus' Going to the Galilee*

*1) John's Arrest and Jesus' departure to Galilee*

The Gospel makes it clear that, Jesus goes to Galilee, after the arrest of John. 

The Gospel says *When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee*

A simple question here to reflect : why did Jesus go to Galilee after the arrest of John. The answer to this question will give the better idea of Jesus' going to Galilee

*2) Jesus went to Galilee to Continue the Mission of the Lord*

So far John was preaching the Kingdom of God. 

Both John and Jesus started their mission with the same words *Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”*

Since John had been arrested, there is no one to continue the mission. So Jesus goes to Galilee to continue the Mission of the Lord. 

*3) Why Galilee and not other places?*

As mentioned in the Gospel, Galilee was the most needed place for repentance, because of the following reasons.

*Galilee of the Gentiles* Gentiles were other than Jewish people, who were considered to be sinners, not eligible for the salvation, and can't be saved by any means 

*People who were in darkness* Because of their sinful way of life, they were practically living in darkness, a spiritual darkness, moral darkness, social darkness etc. 

*Land overshadowed by death* Death is a scary thing, which creates a lot of anxiety, tension, chaos, confusion, despair, helplessness, etc. In such a situation, people of Galilee were living 

*They needed a divine light* More than anybody else, Galileans needed the divine light, for their survival, and for their salvation

So these are the reasons, why Jesus went to Galilee

*4) Mission of Jesus in Galilee*

*Preaching and Teaching 

*Curing every kind of disease and illness of the people 

*He helped those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics

*In other words Jesus worked great miracles among to people to show them what the Kingdom of God is. 

*5) Galilee is in my Context*

As Jesus is ready to come to Galilee, it is very important to find out, where my Galilee is? 

First of all I must find out in my life, what are the aspects which resemble the place of Galilee? 

Secondly check what are the factors of Galilee in my family, neighborhood,  and in my surroundings. 

Thirdly I need to offer those factors of Galilee, from my society, and from my country. 

There are plenty of Galilean factors, which need the visit and assistance of Jesus 

*If so am I ready to welcome Jesus who is on His visit to Galilee??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*