Self Evaluation is the Best evaluation

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:18-22*

*First Reading : Eccl 3:1-11*

*Self Evaluation is the Best evaluation*

*1) The Idea of Self Evaluation*

The Gospel of the day, powerfully presents to us the idea of self evaluation in today's reading 

It Jesus who takes the self evaluation about his identity and also about His mission 

After having spent sufficient time in public ministry Jesus is taking this self evaluation to know the minds of the  people as well as His disciples

*2) Various Aspects of the Self Evaluation*

Jesus precisely gives two questions to His disciples *Who do the crowds say that I am?”*

To this question we have diffent opinions 

Some saw  John the Baptist in Jesus 

Others saw Elijah in Jesus 

Few others saw one of the ancient prophets in Jesus 

There was also second question by Jesus *But who do you say that I am?”*

To this question Peter said *“The Christ of God.”*

So this is the overall picture of Jesus which was known by the people and the Disciples

*3) Jesus' Further revelation about Himself*

From the response of Jesus, it is very clear that neither the people nor the disciples, fully understood Jesus well 

That's why Jesus reveals some more important things about His mission and about His life 

He says *“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”*

This particular sentence gives us the entire idea of Jesus' mission 

*4) Self evaluation reveals Two things*

First of all it helps the person to know what others think about a person. Whether their opinions are right or not. 

Secondly it also helps the person to use different tactics to communicate the hidden or unknown things about the self 

These two things can be seen in the life of Jesus 

When it comes our life, still more things are applicable to us 

Self evaluation will help us to know our own weaknesses, which others will show us, in the process of self evaluation

Ultimately the self evaluation is aimed at knowing the reality about the self, from others and through self examination

*5) Am I ready for self evaluation?*

Most of the time we are busy in giving evaluation to others about their life

When it comes to our own life, many do not want to have a self evaluation from others 

Either they are frightened or they think it is a weakness to evaluate the self 

Some may think that self evaluation is the sign of losing the battle

But in reality, self examination will improve the quality, authenticity and trustworthiness

If so am I ready for self evaluation? 

What are the areas which need self evaluation in my life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*