I see how stiff-necked this people is : Do I belong to this Group?

Gospel Thoughts

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

*GOSPEL -  Jn 5:31-47*

*FIRST READING - Ex 32:7-14*

*“I see how stiff-necked this people is : Do I belong to this Group?*

*1) God calls the Israel as Stiff necked people*

Stiff necked people could be understood as those people who are very proud or stubborn in their approach 

Such people do not listen to any one and they think that they are tight in everything whatever they do

A stiffneck is a uncomfortable position and not able to have free movement

God calls the People of Israel as stiff necked people because they became proud and stubborn in their approach 

*2) Why God called them as stiff necked people*

The first reading of the day gives us the following reasons

They had forgotten the God who brought them out from the slavery of Egypt

Instead of Worshiping, Thanking and praising one true God, they created their own God - A golden calf - and adored it as God 

They replaced the God of Israel, with this Golden calf 

They broke all the promises of God who protected them and gave them 10 commandments

For these reasons God called them as stiff necked people 

*3) Stiff necked people are unable to Change*

Those people who belong to this group, they are unable to change 

They do not understand the value of Change and need of it 

Such an attitude is contrary to God's salvific plan and one becomes ineligible for the salvation

Refusing to Change, is contrary to the Spirit of the Lent and also to God's plan 

*4) What about my Life?*

Am I stiff-necked person about the following things 

Forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, love, faithfulness, sharing, service, reconciliation, and other kingdom values?

Do I exhibit my stiff-necked behaviour, while some one approaches me for help, for a smile, for a good word, for a companionship, for love, for a favour, etc 

*5) Lent is a special time to over come my stiff-necked behaviour*

Lenten spirit and the practices should help us in overcoming our Stiff-necked baviour in my life 

Stiff-necked behaviour and Lenten Spirit do not go hand in hand with each other. So there is a strong need for change 

Stiff-necked person can have only a limited vision or one sided vision since he is not able to turn his neck and see the other side

Like wise our mind, heart, thinking pattern, can very well be influenced by Stiff-necked baviour, making the transformation difficult in  life

How is my approach? Stiff-necked or not? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*