Republic day : Who is Ruling me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 3rd Week - Thursday*

*Gospel : John 8:31-42*

*First Reading : 2 Tim 1:1-8*

*Republic day : Who is Ruling me?*

*1) The Rule of British, Independence and Republic day*

Before 1947 we were ruled by British. In a way we had no real freedom. We were under British Rule 

In 1947 we got the independence, and we were freed from British Rule 

We become independent Nation and freedom become very important to us 

Rebulic day is an opportunity to think and evaluate, about the governance we have 

In other words it is ask oneself, who is ruling me? 

So there is a Transition from the slavery to freedom as we celebrate the Independence day and Republic day 

*2) The Republic day in the Gospel*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the importance of freedom. 

In the context of reflecting the freedom, Jesus is asking us whether we really free or whether we are slaves 

In other words, the Gospel is directly asking us *Who is ruling me?*

So what is my answer?? 

*3) Ruled by Sin and Ruled by Truth*

There are two categories of rule in today's Gospel

The rule of the Sin and Satan 

The Rule of the Truth and the Son 

The rule by sin and satan leads to slavery

The rule by truth and Son leads to real freedom 

*4) The Pharisees were Ruled by Sin*

In the Gospel it becomes very clear that the Pharisees were ruled by Sin of Pride and self righteousness

They are of the opinion that they were never slaves of some one in their lives 

But their very attitude shows that they were slaves of their pride, hypocrisy, self righteousness, justification, slaves of rules and rubrics etc 

So they were fully enslaved by so many things and they were real slaves of their weaknesses, which they never accepted 

*5) Jesus' Invitation to be ruled by the Truth*

Once again the question, who is ruling me will help us to find out our real worth 

Jesus calls us that we should allow ourselves to be reuled by Truth, sincerity, faithfulness, humility, justice, service, generosity, sharing, love and sacrifice

When our life is ruled by these above values, we really become the citizens of heaven, freed from all slavery 

*6) Who is ruling me??*

As we celebrate the Republic day, let's ask ourselves the above question

Who is ruling me?

Is it my ego? 

Is it my anger?

Is it my pride? 

Is it my selfishness? 

Is it my revengeful attitude?

Is it my laziness?

Is it the falsehood? 

Is it cheating? 

Is it division and destruction?? 

So Finally who is ruling me? 

Let Truth Rule us to make our life effective and meaningful

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*