Jesus' order to Cross to the other Side

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Monday*

*Jesus' order to Cross to the other Side*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 8:18-22*

*FIRST READING - Am 2:6-10, 13-16*

*1) The presence of the Crowd and Jesus' Order*

The Gospel of the Day begins with sentence that *When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side.*

This gesture and order of Jesus is very important not only to those people who were in the Crowd, but also to us, who are living today. 

So what is the importance of this order of Jesus? 

*2) Purpose of life Consists in Crossing to the other Side*

Our life is clearly divided into two segments. 

The earthly life and the Heavenly life. In other words the Bodily life and the Spiritual life 

So crossing from this bodily and earthly life to the Spiritual and Heavenly life is the purpose of our life 

The destiny of our life is heavenly life, or eternal life, or Spiritual life to live a holy life 

So it is necessary to cross over to this side. 

*3) The Need of Crossing over to the side, in every moment*

Crossing over to the other side is not a one time activity or something which is applicable at the last moment of our life 

Crossing to the other side is something which is applicable to our every day activities of our life and to the every aspect of our life 

Some of the examples will make us clear about this point 

The need of crossing over from 

Pride to humility

Falsehood to sincerity 

Selfishness to sacrifice

Hatred to love 

Revenge to Forgiveness

Division to unity 

Angy attitude to patience

Quarrel to peace 

Power to service 

The above aspects of our life tell us that Crossing over to the other side is everyday activity and it is applicable to all the areas of our life 

*4) The Order of Jesus*

The order of Jesus to cross to the other side is very important and one must follow this order in life very seriously, in order to follow Jesus very closely. 

Today this order  of Jesus is available in the Gospels, in the Teachings of the Church, in preachings, in prayers, in the instructions of the wise, learned, and of the teachers 

So one must follow the instructions of Jesus which is available in many ways through various persons 

*5) How about crossing over to the other side in my life*

How have I adopted this methodology of crossing to the other side in my Life? 

Do I understand the importance of crossing to the other side? 

Have I stuck,  only this side of life, because of my attachment to the things of this side? 

Is the order to Jesus to cross to the other side, heard by me? 

What are the obstacles for me to cross to the other side? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*