Beware of Men : Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 26th December*

*The Feast of St Stephen : The First Martyr*

*Gospel : Mt 10:17-22*

*First Reading : Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59*

*Beware of Men : Why?*

*1) Beware of Dogs*

This is one of the captions we find in many gates of the house. 

This particular board draws our attention to some things which we need to pay attention 

It simply says, we need to be cautious about the dogs, and we can't get into the gate, without the owner of the house 

*2) Beware of Men*

This caption also is very serious like the previous caption 

It also draws our attention to certain important things, which we need to be careful about it 

At time men also act against us, worse than dogs, that's why we need to be more cautious about certain people 

*3) Why we have to be beware of men?*

There are few things which are mentioned in today's Gospel 

We have to be careful because they will scourge in thesynagogues,

We have to be careful because they will drag before the governors

We have to be careful because, They will hand over to the Kings 

We have to be careful because they will put to death 

*4) Be aware of men : meaning*

First of all to know the situation arround us, while proclaiming the Gospel 

Secondly to accept the situation in our surrounding, and to prepare oneself to face any consequences

Thirdly to become more alert in doing the work of the Lord, in any situation 

Fourthly, to become aware that God's mission is not very easy. One has to prepare oneself to face any challenges for the sake of Jesus 

*5) Beware of Men : Ones own Life*

There are also many things within us, about which we need to be aware

The selfishness, pride, arrogance, hypocrisy, hatred, jealousy, duplicity, revenge, bodily desires etc. We need to be aware of these things, or else they will drag us away from God 

*6) Am I aware of Men?*

Much of the evil things enter into our life though the, our fellow beings 

So being aware of men is more important than anything else in life 

Unless we are aware of these things we will land up into serious spiritual crisis which will make our life aimless and useless

So am I beware of Men? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*