The Followers of Jesus are not orphans

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Sixth Week :   Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 14:15-21*

*First Reading : Acts 8:5-8, 14-17*

*SECOND READING 1 Pt 3:15-18*

*The Followers of Jesus are not orphans*

*1) The Concept of Orphan*

 Orphan is a person who has no one, especially when the parents are dead, the person becomes an orphan

In the Gospel of the day, we have the concept of Orphan and Jesus says that *I will not leave you orphans*

This means we are always protected, taken care off, accompanied and guided in the right direction

So we are not orphans

*2) Why we are not orphans?*

*A) Jesus is always with Us*

Jesus has said, that I will be with you forever. Accordingly Jesus is with us always through the Eucharistic presence. So we are not orphans 

*B) Holy Spirit is with Us*

Jesus has promised us Holy Spirit. He has given us the Holy spirit as He promised. We have received this Holy Spirit, in Baptism and Confirmation. We still receive this Holy Spirit in every sacrament

*C) The Word of God is with Us*

The Bible, the Word of God is with us. We can use it at any time. The moment we read and reflect it, God speaks to us. So we are not orphans

*D) Mother Mary is with us*

Her apparitions are the witness to this fact. Mary has appeared to different people in difference places at different context, thousands of times shows that the Heavenly Mother is always with us. So we are not orphans

*E) Large Number of Saints are with us*

We have number of powerful saints whose intercession is instrumental in getting favours from the Lord. Saints are also helping us to live a good and holy life, through their inspiration and through their intercession. So we are not orphans 

*F) The Church is With us* This is what give us the real identity in this world. We proudly say that we belong to the Church of Jesus who is the head of the family. Church is a large family and we are the members of it. SL we are not orphans 

*G) The Cross*

The Cross of Jesus is always with us. Cross is a powerful instrument, which can give us victory in any situation. Cross is the sign of Jesus presence in our Life 

*H) The Rosary* Christians can't be separated from the Rosary. It is the divine instrument to fight against the Devil and to grow in Holiness. Since Rosary is with us, we are not orphans

*3) Do I feel that I am an Orphan?*

As a Christian, do I feel that I am an orphan? If I feel, then I have separated myself from all the above divine Holy things

As a Christian, I can't feel that I am an orphan. Because Jesus is always with us. 

So what do I feel? What can I do to become the active member of Jesus' Family, who is the head of the Church? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*