Am I a stranger in the Household of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Friday*

*Feast of Sts Simon and Jude*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-16*

*First Reading : Eph 2:19-22*

*Am I a stranger in the Household of God?*

*1) You are no longer strangers*

St Paul in His letter to the Ephesians, says that *We are no longer strangers in the Household of God*

All those who are baptised become the member of God's household

So automatically we should become very familiar in the household of God 

*2) Who is a stranger?*

One who does not know anything about the household of God and its functioning becomes a stranger to the household of God 

When some one becomes a stranger, he/she is lost and no one bothers him/her

*3) What are the Things prove that one is stranger*

As a members of the Household of God, we must know the discipline, teachings and other values of God's household 

When one fails to live a simple way of life He/she  becomes a stranger 

When one fails to forgive

When one fails to share 

When one fails to sacrifice

When one fails to love 

When one fails to appreciate

When one fails to become generous

When one fails to take up the Cross

We are suppose to know and practice these values in life. 

If not, we will become strangers in the household of God 

*4) Am I a stranger?*

Since my baptism I have coming to the Church and spending my time 

Still do I know the power of forgiveness?

Still do I know the power of sacrifice, love, humility, sincerity, sharing, hardworking, simplicity, prayer, trust, and Holiness? 

All those who don't know the importance and power of these kingdom values, remain as strangers in the Household of God 

*5) Dangers of remaining as strangers*

No one will care about us 

No support will be given 

One will miss the friendship

No give and take policy 

No involvement

No life, and no interactions

*6) Christian Spirituality can't be practiced by becoming strangers*

Christian spirituality involves friendship and fellowship

One who becomes stranger, Christian spirituality can't practiced 

Communitarian spirituality needs friendship and fellowship

So what is my position?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*