You will be a Blessing

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

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

*Gospel : Mt 17:1-9*

*First Reading : Gn 12:1-4a*

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 1:8b-10*

*You will be a Blessing*

*1) Abraham became a Blessing*

The First reading of today speaks about Abraham becoming a blessing 

He became blessing to everyone, by doing the following

*He went away from His own land at the Command of the Lord 

*He went away from His own kinsfolk

*He went away from His own fathers house 

*Finally he went to a place which the Lord Showed him 

Since Abraham followed the command of the Lord, fully trusting the Lord, He became a blessing to everyone

In other words, God made Him blessing to Everyone 

*2) People were blessed through Abraham*

The first reading of the day clearly states this fact 

*God says to Abraham*

*I will make of you a great nation

*I will bless you;

*I will make your name great

 *You will be a blessing to every one 

*I will bless those who bless you

*curse those who curse you.

*All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you

*3) How nice to become a blessing*

When some one becomes a blessing there is a change

-Life becomes meaningful 

-Lots of growth in and around the person 

-People always look forward to remain with such person 

-There is a concept of happiness and joy around the person 

-Others also influenced to become blessings for others 

-There is absolutely no loss by becoming a blessing but always gain 

*4) Challenges to become a blessing*

Need to live so many things 

Land, 

Once own people, Fathers house

These three things have lots of relevance to our life 

First indicates Attachment to external things 

Second one indicates own own bodily passions and weaknesses

Thirdly, Our own thinking, attitude of ego, pride, arrogance, etc 

Only when we are ready to leave these things and ready to move we can become a blessing

*5) Go to a place which I show you*

God Showed a beautiful place to Abraham. But he didn't know about it. Trusting God he went and became a blessing 

God shows a beautiful place for us 

Place of Tabor for transfiguration

Place of reconciliation to forgive one another 

Place the foot of the Cross to learn the  humility

Place of service to build the kingdom of God and to become another Christ

Holy Places to experience His presence 

Place of our Home to take care of the children and elders

*6) Various ways of Becoming a blessing*

By being good parents - blessing to the Children

By becoming Good children - Blessing to the patents

Taking care of the Elderly - Blessing to the elderly

Forgiving the other - blessing to the enemy

Giving a smile to others - blessing to the neighbor

Avoid Gossiping - blessing to the other

Be a generous person - blessing to the needy 

Be a prayerful person - Blessing to everyone

There are hundreds of ways to become a blessing to other in and around us. 

 *Am I a blessing or Curse?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*