Jesus needs reception and conception to grow and to build the Kingdom of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 4th Week : Saturday*

*March 25 : The Annunciation of the Lord*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading : Is 7:10-14; 8:10*

*SECOND READING - Heb 10:4-10*

*Jesus needs reception and conception to grow and to build the Kingdom of God*

*1) Mary as an instrument in the Hands of God*

The story of Annunciation tells us that God wanted a woman, to receive and conceive His Son, so that He may take birth in this world to build the Kingdom of Heaven 

So God chose Mary as an instrument in this process and she received and Conceived Jesus in Her womb, gave birth to Him

Jesus grew as the saviour of the World and He built the Kingdom of God, here on this earth

*2) Annunciation is an reminder for all of us*

The feast of the Annunciation tells the story of Jesus' life, but at the same time, it calls us to play the role of Mother Mary, in building the Kingdom of God 

Playing the Role of Mary means, first of all receiving Jesus in our Heart and life, allowing Him to grow in our life, and finally listening to Him in building the kingdom of God 

So it is a great divine call with a special responsibility to build His Kingdom 

*3) The Various ways of Receiving, Conceiving and allowing Him to Grow in our Life*

Today we are called to play role of Mary did, which she played 2000 years ago

*Cross:* By receiving, conceiving and allowing it to grow in our life 

*Humility:* We need to receive, conceive and allow it to grow 

*Service* Receive, conceive and allow it to grow 

*Forgiveness* Receive from God, conceive it and allow it to grow 

*Love* We need a people who can conceive and give birth to Love, in and through our life 

*Sacrifice, Truthfulness, Love for the Poor, Helping the Needy* : All these we need to receive, conceive and allow it to grow in our Life 

*4) Giving Birth is an important Mission*

Mary Gave birth to Jesus 

We need to give birth to Jesus by giving birth to the following areas 

Give birth to Humility

Give birth to simplicity

Give birth to care and concern 

Give birth to love

Give birth to sacrifice

Give birth to forgiveness

Give birth to service

Give birth to prayer 

Give birth to truthfulness

Give birth to faithfulness

Give birth to taking care of the needy 

Give birth to divine experience

Give birth to generosity

*5) Am I ready to receive, conceive, and give birth?*

The identity of the Disciples consists in receiving, Jesus, conceiving Jesus, allowing Jesus to grow in life and giving birth to Jesus 

Christian spirituality and the goal consists in the above things 

If so, am I ready for this mission 

If I am ready I need to pay attention for the following things 

Like Mary we need to be full of Grace

Like Mary, we need listen to the voice of the Lord

Like Mary we need the purity of the heart and mind 

Like Mary we need to surrender ourselves completely to God 

Like Mary we need to say *Thy Will be done*

Like Mary we need to face all the challenges of Life for God's sake 

*So am I ready??"*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*