The Various Ways of Believing in the Gospel

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 1st Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 1:14-20*

*FIRST READING - 1 Sam 1:1-8*

*The Various Ways of Believing in the Gospel*

*1) Jesus Says "Repent and Believe in the Gospel*

Jesus starts His preaching with these Words 

Since the time is Fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at Hand, one Should repent and Believe in the Good news in order to enter in the Kingdom of God. 

So How to believe in the Gospel? What are the various ways through which we can believe in the Gospel?

*2) The Various ways of Believing in the Gospel*

*Accepting Jesus as the Lord and Master* This is one of the best ways of believing in the Gospel

*Forgiveness* Jesus not only preached forgiveness but also practiced it. The Gospel speaks about forgiveness in number of places. One who practices the virtue of forgiveness, is definitely believes in the Gospel

*Service* Jesus served in every situation and without making any discrimination of caste and creed. One who serves in a selfless way, believes in the Gospel. 

*Sacrifice* This is at the centre of Jesus and in the Gospel. Only those who believe in the Gospel can practice this virtue 

*Suffering* suffering has a special value in the life if Jesus and in the Gospel. One who believes in the Gospel can see meaning in the suffering and can face it for a noble cause 

*Love of the Enemies* Only Jesus speaks about it and the Gospel communicate it. In fact Jesus loved His enemies even from the Cross. One who loves his/her enemies is not only inspired by the Gospel, but also a strong sign that he/she believes in the Gospel

*3)  Do I believe in the Gospel?*

At the peripheral level all of us think that we believe in the Gospel. But a careful analysis of our own attitude will reveal a bitter truth that at times we are far from believing in the Gospel. 

Some example would be 

A person who refuses to forgive, in what ground he/she can say he/she believes in the Gospel? 

Like wise a person who is selfish in his/her attitude, jealous about others wellbeing, involved in gossip,  refuses to share God given gifts, runs away from responsibility and suffering, having a negative attitude towards life, does not appreciate any one, can't believe in the Gospel. 

One who lives contrary to the Gospel values can not believe inn the Gospel

*4) Believing in the Gospel in my Life*

As we reflect about the various ways of believing in the Gospel, what are the various ways which I practice in my life to prove that I believe in the Gospel? 

Do I really understand the meaning of *believing in the Gospel?*

How can I strengthen my belief in the Gospel?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*