After all, he/she is our brother/sister our own flesh

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 2nd Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 21:33-43, 45-46*

*First Reading : Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a*

*After all, he/she is our brother/sister our own flesh*

*1) Joseph and His brothers*

The first reading of the day gives us an account of Joseph and His brothers 

Since Joseph's brothers were jealous about Him, they wanted to kill him 

Accordingly they made all the plans. But one of His brothers named Judah, was not for killing their own brother 

So in this context Judah says *After all, he is our brother, our own flesh.*

*2) The great Change in the Brothers*

In the beginning, the brothers saw Joseph as if, he is an enemy of them

That's why they were ready to kill Him 

But the moment they realised that Joseph is their own brother, their own flesh, the entire plan changes 

Instead of Killing their brother they sell their brother to the Ishamalite 

So we see a great change here 

*3) The concept of Brother and Sister*

Brother of sister are closely related with each other

When we are Small, the ties of brothers and sisters is very strong 

They always wish well, to each other 

So the concept of brother or sister avoids any kinds of disputes and issues 

*4) A call to consider every one as brother/sister*

The moment they realised and accepted Joseph as their brother, the whole plan gets changed 

All the changes happen because they accepted Joseph as their own brother 

Since the concept of Brother / Sister can change the situation, we are called upon to consider every one as brothers and Sisters 

*5) Am I ready to consider others as brothers and Sisters?*

From the Gospel it is very clear, considering others as brother or sister, will change the entire situation

If So, am I ready to say like this *After all He/She is my own brother or sister?*

So am I ready?

*6) Whom should I call my own bothers and sisters?*

All those people whom we consider as our enemies

All those who are jealous about us

All those who criticize us 

All those who angry with us

All those who challenge us in one or other

*All those who seek our downfall*

All those who hate us in one way or other 

All those who spoil our name in one way or the other 

*7) Benefits of Considering everyone as brothers and sisters*

*Reconciliation takes place 

*Fights do not take place 

*We are able to treat with respect 

*No discrimination between rich and poor 

*Possibility of better relationship

*At times we can also save one precious life 

*We can share our resources 

*We will be in a better position share our belongings

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*