We do not belong to the World

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : Seventh Week - Wednesday*

*We do not belong to the World*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 17:11b-19*

*FIRST READING - Acts 20:28-38*

*1) They do not belong to the World*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us the beautiful prayer of Jesus to His disciples. 

There are many things which are highlighted in Jesus' prayer for his disciples. 

One among them is about our existence is the World. 

In His prayer, Jesus makes it very clear that the Disciples of Jesus do not belong to the World, but we are in the World. 

*2) We need to remeber this Great Truth*

The disciples of Jesus must remember this great Truth, that we don't belong to this world 

We need to remember this fact because, this fact will change our perception of life in this world 

The moment we realise that we don't belong to this world, we will be enlightened persons, and our life will become more meaningful and effective. 

*3) We will not be attached to this world*

The moment we realise that we don't belong to this world, our attachment to this world will be less 

Our main problem in this world is, our attachment to the world and for the various things in the world. 

Such an attachment makes our life miserable and unholy. Therefore, detachment from this world and from the things of this world is very much necessary. 

Only when we realise that we don't belong to this world we will be able to detach ourselves from this world 

*4) World is not permanent* 

Either people those who live in this world or the world itself is not permanent 

Unless we realise this fact, we will not be able to detach ourselves from this world 

There are many who think that this world is permanent. Such an illusion is dangerous for our life 

*5) We belong to Jesus and to Heaven*

Since we don't belong to this world, it is clear that we belong to Jesus 

According the St Paul, we are the citizens of Heaven *we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior* Philippines 3:20

So we are separated from this world, and we belong to Jesus our Lord

*6) Live like a Heavenly citizens*

Since we belong to heaven and to Jesus, our life style should change accordingly. 

Jesus has shown the way how to live like a Heavenly citizens. 

The Gospels are the guidelines to live our life, which will be befitting to Heaven 

The Kingdom values like, forgiveness, love, Faithfulness, kindness, sacrifice, humility, service, will help us to live like a Heavenly citizens

*7) Am I ready to live like a Heavenly citizen?*

Once we realise that we don't belong to this world, we should try our level best to live like heavenly citizens. 

One needs disciplned way of life, commitment, determination, desire, willingness, and courage to live this life 

To detached from this world and to be attached to the heavenly things one needs Courage and willingness. 

If So, am I ready to live like a Heavenly citizen??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*