The Call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:23-30*

*First Reading : Jgs 6:11-24a*

*The Call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon*

*1) The Queenship of Mother Mary*

Today we celebrate the feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary 

As we celebrate this feast, it calls us to reflect about the calling of Mary, Her Mission and her Queenship

There is a close connection between the call and Mission of Mother Mary and Gideon, who comes in today's first reading 

*2) Who is Gideon?*

He is one of the Judges in the Old Testament, from the tribe of Manasseh

He was called by the Lord, to save Israelites from Midianites and Amalekites who looted the Israelite crops and animals 

He is considered as one of the great heros of Israel because, like Mosses he had the confrontation of the divine *Face to face* and recalls Jacob's wrestling with the Angel

*3) The appearance of Angel*

To both Mother Mary and Gideon, the angel of the Lord appears and communicattes the message of the Lord 

The angel addresses Mary as *Hail Mary Full of grace the Lord is with You* and *one who found favour with God*

To Gideon, the Angel says *“The LORD is with you, O champion!”*

The appearance of the Angel becomes an important part of their call and mission 

*4) The lowliness of Mary and Gideon*

Mary considered herself and Humble servant of God. In Her Magnificat Mary says *God lifted up the lowly*

Gideon says *My family is the lowliest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.*

*5) Both were called for great Mission*

Mary's call was to save the entire human kind, through Jesus Christ. For this mission Mary offered herself and became great in the sight of God

Gideon was called by the Lord, to save His people - the people of Israel from the oppression of Midianites and Amalekites 

*6) Both were given a sign*

When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary She asked *How can this be?*

Then the Lord gave the Sign that She will conceive with the Power of the Holy Spirit

When the Angel appeared to Gideon, he asked for a sign. The things which were brought by Gideon were placed in the rock, and fire from above consumed them. It became a great sign from the Lord 

*7) What is my call and Mission?*

There two great models in today's liturgical celebration. Mother Mary's call and Gideon's call 

How do I react to these divine call? 

Everyday the Angel of the Lord, calls us through various events, through various people, through incidents of our life. How do I react to the call of God? 

How do I respond to the mission which is given by God? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*