Withered attitude is more dangerous than withered hand

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 2nd Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 3:1-6*

*FIRST READING - 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51*

*Withered attitude is more dangerous than withered hand*

*1) Man with Withered hand in today's Gospel*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a man with a withered hand 

When the hand is withered the person partially becomes inactive because of the inability in using the hand

The person with withered hand also suffers a lot and finds hard to do day today's work. 

That's why He was there in the synagogue with the intension of getting better. 

*2) The Pharisees with withered attitude*

In the same synagogue there were many Pharisees, who were waiting to trap Jesus 

*First of all their sight had withered* because of that they were not able to see good things, but were trying to see something wrong in Jesus 

*Secondly their mind had withered* because they were using their mind not for good things but to trap Jesus and to find fault with Jesus

*Thirdly their tongue had withered* This is because when Jesus asked *Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”* they remained silent. Didn't speak anything, in spite of knowing that they are supposed to do good on Sabbath day. 

*Fourthly their relationship had withered* because finally they made unholy alliance with Herodians to kill Jesus 

*Fifthly their reasoning capacity had withered* because they were making plans to destroy rather than to do good

*3) Withered attitude is dangerous to everyone*

With withered attitude first of all the person destroys his/her own life. With such an attitude he/she can gain nothing, but on the contrary he/she will destroy his/her life 

Secondly such attitude will be dangerous to others life. As we see in the Gospel, Pharisees with such attitude were trying to kill Jesus or to spoil His reputation. 

Thirdly such an attitude destroys the peaceful atmosphere and the trust of another person

So withered attitude is very dangerous to everyone

*4) Has my attitude withered in any way?*

Do I have a withered mind, and  heart? 

What about sight? Has it withered and not able to see good and great things in others? 

What about my generosity? Has it withered when it comes to help someone? 

What about my tongue? Has it withered when it comes to speak the truth and speak for justice? 

Has my approach withered? 

Has my smile withered? 

*There are so many things to evaluate in my life* 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*