Christians are called to raise their heads

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:20-28*

*First Reading : Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a*

*Christians are called to raise their heads*

*1) The context in which one is asked to raise his/her head*

In the Gospel of the day, we see a lot of things, which causes a lot of anxiety in us 

Jerusalem will be surrounded by the enemies and it will be destroyed

Pregnant women and Young mothers will have terrible time 

There will be terrible judgements on people 

People will be killed by sword 

People will be taken as captives and they will be persecuted

There will be frightening signs on the sky and also on Earth 

In this context one is asked to stand erect and  raise ones head 

*2) Who can raise head?*

One who is courageous can raise ones head 

To face all the challenges which are mentioned above, one really needs tremendous amount of courage and strength 

One who is upright or righteous person, is able to raise ones head

Raising ones head is a symbol of purity, dignity and authenticity

*3) Who can't raise his/her head?*

A person who is not upright can't raise his/her head 

A person who follows the wrong path can't raise his/her head 

One who wants to see evil things can't raise his/her head 

*4) Looking down is opposite to raising ones head*

Looking down is a symbol of something wrong 

A person who does what is not right, automatically looks down 

Looking down is a lack of confidence, lack of clarity, and absence of authenticity

Looking down shows that one is not sincere to oneself and also to others 

*5) Standing erect and raising ones head - benefits*

One can see clearly the realities. One can comprehend the things in a better way 

One is in a better position to evaluate the situation

One is able to take leadership in an adverse situation

One shows that one is bold and able to face any situations 

By raising ones head one can inspire others 

*6) Am I able to stand erect and raise my head?*

What about my life? 

Which are the things, motivate me to stand erect and raise my head? 

Which are the things those make me to look down and lose my courage? 

What can I do more to stand erect and raise my head high??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*