Never to Wish bad for any one

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week :  Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:51-56*

*First Reading : Zec 8:20-23*

*Never to Wish bad for any one*

*1) Jews and Samaritans*

During the time of Jesus there was hostile relationship between Jews and Samaritans

Jews considered themselves as, pure, holy, chosen by God, eligible for salvation. Whereas Jews considered Samaritans, as impure, sinners, punished by God and not eligible for salvation

Because of this there was lots of problems between them 

*2) Jesus wanted to remain with the Samaritan*

As a Messiah, Jesus also had place for Samaritans

He wanted to go and dine with them. So he sent some of his followers and do some preparatory works in the area of Samaritans

To which Samaritans objected and they would not cooperate with the plan 

At this His disciples were hurt and they were angry 

That's why they wanted to take revenge on them 

*3) The attitude of Revenge*

Since the Samaritans didn't cooperate with the plan they were deeply hurt 

So the disciples wanted to destroy them. So they asked Jesus *Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”*

It is the disciples wanted to destroy the Samaritans for not cooperating with them 

The attitude of revenge is very clearly reflected here 

*4) Jesus' Response*

Jesus' response was quite different. He never thought of taking revenge on those who didn't cooperate or objected his plans 

Instead of this, Jesus rebuked his own disciples, for having expressed such a revengeful attitude 

In other words Jesus didn't approve the attitude of revenge and asked his disciples to change such an attitude 

*5) The inability  of the Disciples*

Even though the disciples had the attitude of revenge, they were unable to execute the plan 

Bringing fire from heaven to destroy some one can be done only by the Almighty, who has full authority. In no way the disciples have the ability to do such a task which belongs only to God 

*6) It is difficult to take revenge*

Taking revenge is not very easy. Its very difficult and it in turn destroys the one who executes the plan 

To take revenge, one has to develop a hostile relationship with the other 

The hostile relationship spoils the relationship, causes the health issues, and destroys the peace of mind 

At the end one gets nothing by taking revenge but rather loses everything 

So taking revenge is not easy and does not have any benefit

*7) Good things are always benefitted*

Every good gesture has its own reward 

Good things in no way harm us. They always bring some blessing and contentment

Finally every good deed is blessed by God. So by doing good we only gain and never lose anything

*8) Never to wish Bad to any one*

From today's Gospel it is very clear that no one should bad things to anyone 

Even if one is enemy, always wish good things and not bad things 

Even though it is very challenging, we are called upon to do the same

Am I able to wish good things to those who do harm to me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*