Two Reactions towards Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 4:21-30*

*FIRST READING - Jer 1:4-5, 17-19*

*SECOND READING 1 Cor 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13*

*Two Reactions towards Jesus*

*1) All Spoke highly of Him*

In the beginning of the Gospel passage we have this particular phrase 

It appears that all people were amazed because of the way He Spoke and the wisdom which was found in His words 

People Spoke highly of Him because 

He was an extraordinary man 

He was speaking with authority

He was able to perform miracles

He spoke with convictions

He was full of divine power 

*2) They were filled with Fury*

The same people who spoke highly of Jesus were filled with fury towards the end of the passage. 

It appears that their anger and reaction against Jesus came within no time 

They immediately forgot the things for which they were amazed and they started to react badly against Jesus 

Such a reaction which comes very fast from the people should be noted here in a special way 

*3)  Possible reasons for peoples fury*

They were furious for the following reasons 

Jesus spoke the truth about their life and their hypocrisy

Jesus showed them how they were deprived of rain because of their sinful and arrogant nature 

Jesus showed them, even though they were chosen people for salvation, God choses the least and the lost one. For example the Widow of Zarephath, and the Leper Naman 

Jesus showed them that the chosen people were punished for their sinful nature and so called sinful people were blessed by God. 

*4) Jesus' attitude towards these two reactions*

When people spoke highly of Jesus, he was not taken up by that, because He knew the real heart of these people 

Like wise when those people criticised him, or when they tried to kill Him, he was not disturbed or felt sad for their behavior, because he knew their hypocrisy. 

So Jesus attitude was one of normal. Neither he too emotional when he was praised nor he was disappointed because of the negative reaction of the people. 

*5) Change from good to bad very fast*

Beginning of the passage we have good things spoken about Jesus 

In the same passage towards the end plan for killing of Jesus in progress. 

So we need to pay attention  how fast the good things turn into bad. 

This is the experience of every human life. 

*6) How about my life?*

Do I have these two natures in me? At what level?

How do I react when I was praised or people speak high about me? 

How about when people speak very bad things about me, or when they spread gossip about me?

How do I deal with such persons who have this multiple personality complexes? 

Which nature is dominating in me? 

speaking good about others? 

Or 

Speaking I'll about others??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*