Team Work for the Kingdom of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:1-3*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:12-20*

*Team Work for the Kingdom of God*

*1) Jesus on Building the Kingdom of God*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us the mission of Jesus 

Jesus is found on moving from one place to the another 

The Gospel says *Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.*

So this highlights the importance of His mission 

*2) Jesus' Mission Supported by a Team*

Along with Jesus there were many people who supported His mission 

First of all there are 12 disciples, who are always found with Jesus, supporting from every way 

These disciples were also involved in learning the techniques and skills to build the kingdom of God 

There were couple of women who also supported the mission of Jesus. They are  *Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others*

*3) Good blend and Well balanced team*

The Team of Jesus had both men and women 

The 12 male Disciples and the few women tell us that both men and women have the role to play in building the kingdom of God 

So all are involved in building the kingdom of God. 

*4) Religious and Lay People in Jesus' Team*

The 12 Disciples could be considered as the religious people or the consecrated people who helped Jesus in building the Kingdom of God 

The few women could represent the role of lay persons in building the Kingdom of God 

So both men and women, religious and lay people are involved in building the Kingdom of God 

*5) Monetary Help for the building of the Kingdom of God*

Along with the Human resources, there are also other resources which are needed to build the Kingdom of God 

The Gospel beautifully presents this point, highlighting the need of other resources 

The Gospel says that *Who provided for them out of their resources*

These are none other than the women who followed Jesus and also the other people in the group. 

So this also highlights the importance of the need of the monetary resources 

*6) My involvement in Jesus' Team*

As we reflect about the team work with Jesus to build the kingdom of God, where do I stand?

What type involvement I have? 

Active proclamation of the kingdom of God, through my ministry?

Is it the proclamation through my exemplary way of life? 

Spending my little time in helping others in their needs? 

Being generous through my resources to carry out the various projects

Or is my involvement limited only to the ritual things? 

Am I an outsider to the team and mission of the Lord? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*