What is my efforts to settle the matter with my opponent?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 29th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:54-59*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1-6*

*What is my efforts to settle the matter with my opponent?*

*1) Jesus' Teaching on settling the Matter with opponent*

The Gospel of the day, bring out one of the important aspects of our life 

*Settling the matter with opponent* is a very practical and a most needed aspect of our life 

All of us commit mistakes, since we all of us are weak 

But the greatness lies in settling matter and dispute with opponent is the most wise thing in our life 

Therefore Jesus calls us to reflect about our efforts in settling the matter with the opponents

*2) Settling the Matter with the opponent is a wise thing in life*

When some disputes take place, it is wise things to settle the matter immediately then and there. 

If the matter is not solved it becomes a big headache and we suffer a lot 

Therefore it is the wise thing to settle the matter as early as possible and to restore peace in life 

*3) Danger of not settling the matter*

When the matter is not settled, then the issue gets aggravated

Both the parties become more revengeful than thinking of settling it 

Time is wasted, money is lost, resources are spent for not use, when the matter is not settled

Peace of mind is lost, problems become more, and one issue gets more related issues to fight. So the matter becomes very complicated

Finally one gets nothing but loses everything in reality. 

Above all we go against the very nature of Christian spirituality and the teachings of Christ 

This is the fate of not settling the matter 

*4) Efforts needed to settle the Matter*

When a disputes arises about anything, it does not get solved by itself 

Efforts are very much necessary in solving the matter 

The right effects involve the following things 

Ready to accept ones mistakes 

Ready to forgive others 

Ready to bear the loss, if one has done harm to the another 

Ready to dialogue with the opponents with an open mind 

Not to abuse another when the dispute arises 

Taking the help of others when the matter is serious 

*5) More efforts to aggravate the matter*

At times we take more efforts in aggravating the issue than settling it 

We spend lot of time, energy, money, resources to prove that we are right and other is wrong 

Such efforts ultimately do not bring out any results but destroys everything in life 

The principle of *Teaching lessons to others* does not work in any way. Neither the one who is trying to teach lessons to others will learn the lesson nor the opponent will learn any lesson

So by trying to prove one is right will not help in any way 

*6) What about my life?*

When some disputes take place what is my response? 

Do I take efforts to settle the matter or do I take the efforts to aggravate the situation? 

Do I believe in amicable settlement or court settlement? 

What is my response?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*