Seats of honor in synagogues/Churches/Holy Places

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Ninth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:38-44*

*First Reading : Tb 12:1, 5-15, 20*

*Seats of honor in synagogues/Churches/Holy Places*

*1) Importance of the Synagogue*

First of all Synagogue is a holy place, which is used to hear the Word of God, to Proclaim the Word of God, to learn the Scriptures and to spend time in prayer

For a Jew, synagogue was a very important place of prayer and praising God 

It was considered to be very Holy, because it was connected with God and His Word

*2) Scribe Desiring a place of honour in Synagogue*

The Scribe supposed to be a learned person. He supposed to know the importance of the Synagogue and its role in Prayer 

Such a scribe a desiring a place of Honor, in such place, where one is supposed to spend time in prayer and praising God 

So this could called as the wilful ignorance of the Scribe and also a serious error from the part of the Scribe 

*3) Synagogue is a place of Honor for God*

There is no doubt that synagogue is a place where God is honored for His holiness and for his mighty power 

Synagogue gets its importance only because it gives importance to God and his goodness

It is right to recognize that the synagogue is a place of honour of God, and we must thank and praise God for His greatness and mercy 

*4) Church is a Synagogue in present day context*

Like synagogue was very important to Jews to experience God, for us, the Church is a very Holy place to experience God 

Church is a place of Honor for God and not for human beings 

So only God can be honored in the Church and in the Holy Places 

*5) The Scribe and My Life*

Is there a any difference between in my life  and the life of the  Scribe? 

The Scribe desired a place of Honour in the Synagogue

 What about me? 

Has Church become a place to desire a place of honour, for my work, for my little service, for my talents, for my leadership qualities, for my abilities? 

*6) The Scribe in my Life*

As a priest or Sister do I desire a place of honour in the Church? 

As a leader, in the church, for the service that I do, do I seek a place of honour in the Church? 

As a active member of the various pious associations, for the service I render to the needy, do I seek a place of honour in the Church? 

Do I exhibit my talents and skills in such a way that ultimately convey a message that I deserve a place of Honour in the Church? 

*7) Seeking the Place of honour means, trying to take the place of God*

Those who are crazy for honour in the holy places, indirectly say, *I am more important than God*

*First me, next God*

Do I have such tendencies?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*