Killing for the sake of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Sixth Week :   Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 15:26-16:4a*

*First Reading : Acts 16:11-15*

*Killing for the sake of God*

*1) Killing in the Name of worship of God*

In today's Gospel, Jesus highlights one of the important points 

Jesus says *The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God*

Two things are highlighted here. 

A) Killing the Followers of Jesus

B) Thinking that this is the real worship of God

Very dangerous situation 

*2) In the Present day Context*

There are many fundamentalist and extremists groups who have this wrong and corrupt ideology 

In the name of God, and in the name of Religion, some people eliminate the other and they think that it is for the religion and for the sake of God 

They think that is the real worship of God 

*3) Worship of God and Killings*

There is no religion and scripture says that one is at the service of the other 

No religion subscribe this ideology. Killing and Worship of God, for whatever reason can't go together

It is purely and wrong and immoral ideology 

*4) The Reason for such an ideology*

Jesus gives the reason for such a corrupt ideology in today's Gospel

All those who follow this ideology, neither know about God, neither the Son, Jesus Christ, neither the Scriptures nor any moral values

Those who follow this ideology are morally corrupt people, who always follow darkness and evil things 

That's why this is a very dangerous ideology 

*5) We are the victims of this ideology*

Today as we live in our country, we experience the effect of this fascist ideology

The persecutions we face today, the Challenges we have today and the Suffering the followers of Jesus undergo across the glob, is the effect of this ideology 

Many think that they are serving God, by killing the followers of Jesus

*6) This is nothing new in it*

If Jesus has mentioned this immoral ideology 2000 years ago, it is very clear that, this is a age old ideology, which existed when the religions came into existence. 

If Church has survived over 2000 years, by facing and challenging this ideology means, God is working in our life 

So no ideology will be able to conquer the Church and destroy the followers of Jesus 

Crooked people will come and go, but church of Christ will survive forever 

*7) God is our Strength*

Amidst all these persecutions and challenges, Jesus is always with us 

As long as God is with us, no one can destroy us 

All those who follow the above fascist ideology, fight against God himself, in which they will never see victory. 

Christian spirituality consists in Giving life and not taking life. 

*Jesus is our strength*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*