Beware of Them" - Who are they?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 5th Week - Tuesday*

*Feast of St Gonzalo Garcia - Martyr* 

*Gospel : Matthew 10:17-22*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 6:4-10*

*"Beware of Them" - Who are they?*

*1) Coming Persecutions*

This is the title of today's Gospel. 

This title always indicates that something immediately will come 

This particular title is very relevant to our life, which gives us a warning about the dangerous things that will take place in our life 

From this the attitude of becoming *Beware* about the coming persecution becomes very meaningful to us 

*2) Beware of What?*

The Gospel begins with this word *Beware of them*

What is *them* stands for here? 

From the context it is very clear

From their own people

From their own holy place *Synagogue*

From their own councils

From governors

From Kings 

From family members 

The above mentioned people or places will take as the role of persecutors. Therefore one needs to be careful and beware of these realities 

*3) Deeper and Personal meaning of them*

Apart from the social persecution, there are also other persecutors, about whom we need to be careful 

So *them* stands for the following 

Beware of your ego 

Berware of your arrogance

Beware of your anger 

Beware of your passions 

Beware of your attitude  

Beware of your selfishness

Beware of your jealousy

Beware of your criminal mind 

Beware of your greed

Beware of your self centeredness 

Beware of your hatred

All these things work as persecutors in our life, and at times we suffer terribly because of these things 

*4) Beware of them - Kings and Governors*

Kings and Governors are those who control the entire area and people and rule over them 

Who is the king and Governors of my life? 

The following things could act as governors and kings in ones life

To some money 

To some it is power

To some it is position

To some it is authority

To some it is pleasure

To some it is domination

To some it is easy life 

To some it is name 

To some it is public opinion 

We need to be very careful about these things who take control of our life and persecute us 

*5) Beware at all times*

Since the persecutions are coming, one can't take rest 

The word *coming* is an alarm to become beware about the things and to get ready for the same to fight 

There is no holidays in remaining alert in fighting against our enemies

*6)  Am I aware or alert in my life?*

Have I realised that I need to be very careful and alert about various things in my life? 

What are *them* stands for in my life? 

How powerful *them* is, in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*