The Family and the Challenge to follow Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:37-42*

*First Reading : 1 Kg 4:8-11, 14-16a*

*SECOND READING - Rom 6:3-4, 8-11*

*The Family and the Challenge to follow Jesus*

*1) Family and the Relationship*

In the Gospel Jesus makes a reference to the family relationship

The love that exists between the parents and children and between the siblings 

Childrens love towards parents takes the first place in our life. That is also the same with the siblings 

*2) Family and the Discipleship*

We love our mother very dearly. Jesus needs higher love than the our love towards the Mother 

We love our father for his sacrifice and for His gift. Jesus needs much more than this love for His sacrifice on the Cross  and for His gift to the entire humanity 

We love our brother, because for his protection and guidance. Jesus needs far better love than this love, for his protection and guidance

We love our sister, for her accompaniment and encouragement. Jesus needs much more than this love, because of His divine accompaniment and encouragement 

*3) Jesus never says to break family ties*

From the Gospel is very clear that Jesus is not telling us to break the family relationship or not to love our family member

Here family becomes a reference point where one is able to understand what type of love one should have for Jesus

The highest form of love is found in the family. The following of Jesus demands, higher version of family love, which can make a person to totally surrender for the mission of the Lord 

*4) One who is able to love and experience Family love can follow Jesus*

Family is a place where we experience the divine Love

Since love is always has a divine nature, family helps us to experience the Divine Love in our life 

So a person who can experience such a deep love in the family, can go to higher version of Love, which makes a person to accept Jesus, His mission and His call

So family plays a very important role in loving Jesus and priclamimg His kingdom 

*5) Am I ready to exercise the Higher form of Love for Jesus?*

This higher form of love has some qualities, They are 

Giving first place to God in everything

Working selflessly to build the Kingdom of God, here on earth 

Ready to face any situation, especially the persecutions for the Kingdom of God 

Total change in the  life style and moving towards the holiness 

Higher form of love is ready to sacrifice and is filled with generosity

*6) What is my Love for Jesus?

Sacrificial love? 

Giving Love? 

Selfless love? 

Accepting Love? 

Forgiving Love? 

Reaching out Love

Compassionate love?

Kingdom Love? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*