The tragedy of a scholarly person in adding the burden for others

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:42-46*

*First Reading : Gal 5:18-25*

*The tragedy of a scholarly person in adding the burden for others*

*1) Who is a Scholar?*

A scholor is a person who is specialist in a particular branch of study, especially the humanities.

In other words  a Scholar is a person who is highly educated or has an aptitude for study.

In simple words a Scholar is a person who is expert in any one field. For the Gospel reflection one need not restrict only to academic field 

*2) Scholar is condemned by Jesus*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus is condemning a scholar 

The reason for his condemnation is also clearly given. The reason is the following 

His scholarly achievement should have helped other people is easing their burden and difficulties. 

Instead of becoming a blessing, the scholarly achievement had become a way to control people and to subjugate them 

That is why Jesus condemned the Scholar

*3) All of us are Scholars*

As we reflected earlier, a person who is expert in any area could be considered as scholar 

Accordingly all of us scholars, because we are experts either in one way or the another 

Some are scholars in academics others are experts in other areas. For examples 

Some are experts in leadership. Others are experts in, cooking, speaking, travelling, accounts, health care, household works, painting, cutting trees or other things, decoration, organising the events, master of the ceremonies, and various fields of works

*4) What do I do with my expertise?*

Two ways are possible

Either I can use my expertise for the good of my family and for the society. In this case I don't add the burden to others life rather I become a person who help them. I become a blessing 

People can also use their expertise to exploit and dominate people for personal gains or for selfish purpose. In such case my scholarly achievement becomes a burden and curse for others 

*5) Will Jesus condemn me?*

Jesus condemned the scholar for misusing the knowledge and intelligence

Scholar used His scholarly achievement for burdening the people and making their life more difficult

What about my expertise in any field? 

Will Jesus condemn me also??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*