Loss of Worldly things and Rejection of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:28-34*

*First Reading : Gn 21:5, 8-20a*

*Loss of Worldly things and Rejection of Jesus*

*1) The Good done by Jesus in the territory of the Gadarene*

Jesus enters the territory of Gadarene and he was encountered by two people 

Who were possessed by the demons 

Jesus cures them, and they were made well. Jesus drives the demon from them and gives them new life 

*2) The Loss of Swine herd*

In the process of healing the two demoniacs, Jesus allows the evil spirits to go out and to enter into the herd of swine 

As soon as the evil spirits entered into the herd of swine, the entire herd was, jumped into the water and died 

This caused the loss of swine and loss of money and income to the owner of the pigs 

*3) The Rejection of Jesus*

Since they lost the swine and also some income, the whole village came together, to request Jesus to go away from the territory

This might have happened because, people might have thought, if Jesus remains in the territory, they will lose some more things 

But they failed to see the good that has been done by Jesus or to see those two persons who were freed from the evil spirits

*4) You can't Serve God and Wealth*

This is what Jesus told in the sermon on the Mount 

This becomes true in this context. They loved their business more than the Lord 

That's why they rejected Jesus by asking him to leave the village  

*5) The need of Detachment and Loss of Worldly things*

The loss of some things were necessary for the cure of the demoniac 

Unless one considers the loss of worldly things, to accept Jesus, nothing can be achieved 

So accepting Jesus and His healing power means, one has to ready to give up something to gain something

Loss for the sake of Jesus or detachment is very much needed to achieve something higher 

When we consider the value of higher things, whatever we give up is only a insignificant thing

Unless we are ready to sacrifice a little, nothing can be beneficial

*6) What is my preference?*

People chose their daily business and rejected Jesus 

For petty things, they lost a great treasure

What about my preference?  Am I ready to sacrifice my little world to enter into the world of Jesus 

Will I choose Jesus instead of my worldly things? 

Am I ready to lose the Worldly things for the sake of Jesus? 

Nothing is more precious than Jesus. 

*If Jesus is there, then I have everything. If I have everything, but I don't have Jesus, then I have nothing*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*