Have I lost my walking stick?

Gospel Thoughts

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

*GOSPEL -  Mk 6:7-13*

*FIRST READING 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12*

*Have I lost my walking stick?*

*1) Jesus speaks about the Walking Stick*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a situation where Jesus sends His disciples on a mission 

 

He sends them two by two to a particular city where He wanted to go. So they go as the representatives of Jesus 

He sent them with many instructions. One among them is to take a walking stick. 

Now what is the significance of this walking stick?  

*2) Importance of the Walking Stick*

Walking stick is a familiar instrument, since it is used very often in our life 

Elderly people use the walking stick as a support system in their life. At time without walking stick they can't move 

Walking stick has the power to increase the strength of the person. 

Walking stick can help a blind man to know the way and to find the way 

Walking stick can be used as an instrument to clear the obstacles on the way 

Walking stick can be used as an instrument of protection in various situation. 

Walking stick has the advantage of multiple usage facility in a given situation

Walking stick can be used to direction to others 

At times walking stick becomes a life saving instrument in our life  

*3) The Speciality of the Stick*

We find a stick in the hands of Moses which performed miracles in liberating the people of Israel from bondage

We also find a stick in the hands of David since he was a shepherd

We also find stick in the portrait of Good Shepherd, where Jesus protects His Sheep and stick becomes an instrument to protect the sheep 

*4) Stick is a symbol of Authority and power*

Moses gets special authority and power through the stick, through which he performs miracles. 

Good Shepherd with Stick has the image of power and authority to protect the sheep 

So power and authority for the service and not for self glory 

*5) My life and Stick*

Today we may not have stick in our hands. But there are more powerful things which we are suppose to carry when we go for mission 

The following may be some of them 

Bible can take the place of Stick 

Forgiveness can take the place of stick 

All sacraments are the important sticks which we are suppose to carry to grow in spiritual life

Prayer life is a very important walking stick 

Happiness, joy, humility, Patience, sincerity, love are the important walking stick which we need very much to move forward

*1) Where is my walking stick?* 

How is the condition of my walking srtick? 

Have I stopped using the walking stick in my life? 

Has the walking stick is about to break? 

What are the ways through which I can strengthen my walking stick to spread the mission of Jesus.?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*