The need to recognize Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season :  3rd Week : New Liturgical Year : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 1:6-8, 19-28*

*First Reading : Is 61:1-2a, 10-11*

*SECOND READING 1 Thes 5:16-24*

*

*The need to recognize Jesus*

*1) John The Baptist on Recognizing Jesus*

In the Gospel of the day John Speaks about recognising Jesus 

In fact the Whole episode speaks about the greatness of John and His mission 

Since He came before Jesus to prepare the way of the Lord, He gives his real identity with great humility 

In this context He also warns all those who are around that they need to recognize Jesus who is among them 

*2) Scribes and Pharisees didn't recognize Jesus*

The signs of the Messiah were very clear. But these people didn't recognize the Messiah

They were busy in their own pride and self righteousness. That why they were not able to recognize Jesus  

They missed a great opportunity to meet the Messiah by not recognizing Jesus

*3) The need of Listening*

The Gospel of the day also highlights the importance of listening 

All those who listened to John were able to recognize Jesus. All  those who didn't pay attention to John could not recognize Jesus 

Today the Gospels speak to us. Unless we listen to the Gospel we may not be able to know Jesus and recognize Jesus 

*4) Advent - Jesus is coming*

We are in the season of Advent. It is a time to prepare for the Lord's coming 

Jesus is about to come. The time is at hand. So it is my responsibility to prepare myself to meet Jesus by Recognizing him 

Unless we recognize we may not be able to meet Him 

*5) Recognizing is the First step in encountering Jesus*

All of us want to have a deep encounter with the Lord

In this process, recognizing Jesus becomes the first step in meeting Jesus 

Unless we recognize or know who Jesus is we many not be able to meet Jesus

*6) Am I able to recognize Jesus*

The time is very close. Jesus is about to come. 

But the question is am I able to recognize Jesus!?

What are my spiritual skills to recognize Jesus? 

The Spiritual skills which are required to recognize Jesus would be following

Prayer

Fasting 

Penance

Humility 

Simplicity 

Openness 

Sacrifice 

Generosity 

Forgiveness

All these are required to recognize Jesus who is among us

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*