You shall not steal

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-22*

*First Reading : 1 Jgs 2:11-19*

*You shall not steal*

*1) One of the Great commandments*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the various commandments of the Lord 

*You Shall not steal* is one among the 10 commandments of the Lord 

We need to think seriously about this commandment, since there is a possibility of going away from this commandment

*2) Stealing of Things*

The moment we think about stealing we always think about the things which we steal from another person

At times our understanding is only restricted to the things out side. So whenever some one takes the things which belongs to another, without their consent, we term it as stealing

But is there a any other meaning in this particular commandment.? Does it apply only to the external things or other things also?

*3) Stealing of Someone's happiness*

Stealing can also be applied to many other things other than external things 

There are people who steal other peoples happiness, by hurting them and involving in gossips

Any incident which makes others sad means one is stealing the happiness of others. This also goes against the commandment of the Lord 

*4) Stealing of someone's name*

This is also very common in today's world. Using someone's name for the sake of business and profit without their knowledge

People use some ones good name of reputation for their personal gain 

Today many people hack the face book account or create face book account in some one's name to steal money and other things 

*5) Stealing of someone's service*

This form of stealing is also very common in our communities

When some one's takes the credit for the service of another, without acknowledging their service, it amounts for stealing their service 

When some one takes for granted the service of another it amounts for stealing their service 

*6) Stealing of someone's House*

When some one interferes in the affairs of another's family, automatically, there comes doubt and misunderstanding

This is equal to stealing the family of another person, the happiness of another family, the Harmony of another family etc 

Unhealthy relationship with another family may result in the stealing of another's family and house 

This also goes against the commandment of the Lord 

*7) What are the things I steal in my daily life?*

Do I steal some one's good name? 

Do I steal some one's service?

Do I steal some one's hard work? 

Do I steal some one's sacrifice? 

Do I steal some one's love for selfish purpose? 

Do I steal the happiness and joys of others? 

Do I steal the generosity of another person? 

Do I steal the skills and talents of another? 

Do I steal the time of another person for my selfish purpose?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*