The effect of considering someone as valuable person

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:1-10*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 2:1-8*

*The effect of considering someone as valuable person*

*1) Slave was valuable person to the Centurion*

The Gospel of the day calls us to reflect about the various effects, when someone is considered as the valuable person to us 

The Centurion, a person with high position and status considered his slave as valuable person

This attitude of the centurion itself is something exceptional and shows the heart of the centurion

*2) Various effects of considering someone as valuable person*

It takes away the discrimination in the relationship. The master- slave relationship turns to be friendly relationship

The centurion, goes out of the way to save the person. This can happen only when one considers another as valuable person 

He seeks the Help from others. He asked elders of the Jews to help him in whatever way possible

He also expreses his deep faith in Jesus, eventhough he was not belonging to the Jewish community

The centurion stood by the bedside of the dying slave. Master is at the service of the slave. This can happen only when the other is considered as valuable person 

The centurion uses his power and authority to heal his slave. Using ones authority for the sake of slave can happen when other is considered as valuable

The centurion considers himself as unworthy person. What a humility of a person who was in high position in the society. Such a great confession of his self happened for the sake of the slave. Again such a great thing can happen when the other is considered as valuable person

*3) To Jesus, everyone was valuable*

Therefore he went in search of one sheep which was lost 

Therefore he committed himself for the upliftment of the needy, poor, marginalized, exploited, and unwanted people 

For Jesus everyone was valuable 

*4) Who are valuable persons in my life?*

We consider parents are valuable persons in our life. How do we carry our our responsibility towards them when they are old and sick? 

People who are working for our welbing in our surroundings. Do I consider them as valuable person to me? Do I talk to them? Do I give them a smile? 

Those who are doing sanitation work, are valuable to us. Have I realised this fact? How do I see them? 

Those who are working in our houses, institutions, organisations are valuable persons. Have I realised thier value in my life? 

My life largely depends on others and their services. But have I realised this fact? Do I consider them as valuable persons? What is my relationship with them?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*