Jesus Does not belong to a particular company or Group

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:46-50*

*First Reading : Jb 1:6-22*

*Jesus Does not belong to a particular company or Group*

*1) Jesus does not belong to a particular group*

Jesus is a universal figure. He does not belong to the particular religion or sect or group. 

The mission of Jesus is universal, and Jesus belongs to all and all belong to Jesus 

So the person of Jesus is restricted to any religion or group

*2) The Understanding of the Disciples*

As we know that Jesus called 12 apostles who were with Jesus 

Jesus had begun His mission through the help of 12 disciples and He was training them in every aspects 

So the disciples thought that, Jesus is their leader and only they have right to use the name of Jesus 

So others were not the part of their group and they can't use the name of Jesus. So that was the understanding of the disciples

*3) Use of the name of Jesus by others*

The Gospel tells us that there were few people who used Jesus' name to cast out demons 

This particular event was witnessed by the disciples of Jesus. Since those people who used the name of Jesus to cast out demons were not belonging to their group, they prevented them doing so. 

When such a thing was reported to Jesus, He clearly says, not to prevent the good work, and any one can use Jesus name to do something good and better 

*4) The clear message of Jesus*

By telling not to prevent those who were casting out demons, Jesus clearly gives the message that, good work must not be prevented at any cost 

Secondly, any one can use Jesus' name to do good. There is no restriction

Thirdly, Jesus doesn't belong to any particular group or sect. He belongs to every one and everyone belongs to Jesus 

*5) Company or group mentality leads to division*

The moment one speaks about my group or my company, it leads to division and division leads to destruction

So Jesus tells us to uproot such kind of mentality and to work towards unity rather than division 

*6) My life and group mentality*

How do I see my life? Is it influenced by the group mentality?

Do I believe that certain things are reserved only to few people? 

Do I prevent others from doing good because they do not belong to my camp??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*