Where did this man get all this?”*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:54-58*

*First Reading : Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37*

*Where did this man get all this?”*

*1) The Wisdom and Mighty deeds of Jesus*

When Jesus came to His native place, people saw some extraordinary things in Jesus 

His unthinkable wisdom, His power to work miracles and other mighty deeds really made them ask the above question : *Where did this man get all this?*

In fact it is very good question to think about the source of His wisdom, source of his mighty deeds and the source to work miracles

*2) From where did Jesus get all these things?*

The answer to this question has many implications. They could be the following

*A) Abba Experience* :

 

Jesus was in constant relationship with the Father. So this is the primary source of His wisdom and power to work mighty deeds 

*B) Study and Meditation of the Scriptures*

Jesus from the childhood read the scriptures, studied it and reflected on it. This is the another source of His wisdom and power to work mighty deeds 

*C) Prayer*

We see Jesus spending time in prayer either in the morning or in the evening or at any major events of His life. Prayer ultimately connects one to the Father. So this became another source of His wisdom and power to work miracles

*D) Visit to the temples and synagogues*

We see Jesus very often visiting the temple and synagogue. They were the places of worship and to experience the Divine power. So this also becomes a source of His wisdom and power to work miracles

*E) The Holy Family*

We see a beautiful family of Jesus where he was brought up by Joseph and Mary. It was a divine and Holy family, which made Jesus to experience the divine Love. So this also became another source for his wisdom and to work miracles

*F) Mission for Truth, Justice and for the Kingdom of God*

This was the mission of Jesus. When some one works for these Nobel cause, God Himself provides the wisdom and power to work miracles

*3) St John Vianney*

Today we celebrate the feast of St John Mary Vianney. He is the patron saint of all the Priests and Parish priest

He was an ordinary priest, but through His simplicity and commitment he had wonderful wisdom and power to work miracles in the Place where he was sent 

The Source of His wisdom and the power to work miracles came from 

Prayer life 

Sacrifice

Fasting and penance

Simplicity

Commitment

Trust in God

Wishing the betterment of others

Selfless service 

Availability for the needy 

Concern for the poor 

Working for the greater Glory of God 

*4) What is my source of Wisdom and the power to work miracles?*

All of us are eligible for the divine wisdom and the power to work miracles. But the question is where do I seek this wisdom and power? 

Do I seek in the divine things like, scriptures, prayers and in Gospel values?

Do I seek in worldly things? If at all I look into these things in Worldly things I may not find it at all!!!!

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*