GOSPEL THOUGHTS
*Ordinary Season : 1st Week: Thursday*
*Gospel : Mk 1:40-45*
*First Reading : 1 Sm 4:1-11*
*Leper teaches us How to approach God?*
*1) Leper in the Gospel*
The leper in the Gospel could be considered as model for approaching God
In other other words he could be considered as the model of Praying, when we come before God
*2) Various Gestures which are found in the approach of the Leper*
*A) He comes to Jesus*
This is one of the important aspects in the life of leper
The decision to come to Jesus shows the faith of the leper in Jesus, that Jesus is capable of healing him
Going to Jesus should becomes the first important aspects of the prayer
*B) The gesture of Kneeling*
The Gospel says that *A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him*
The gesture of kneeling communicates a powerful message, because kneeling means
Humility
One is nothing before God
Right disposition to receive the favour
Complete dependence on God
Surrounding oneself to Gods power
Ones helplessness shown to God
Ones willingness to follow God
*C) The Gesture of Begging*
He came and begged with Jesus, which indicates
Total helplessness
Total surrender to God's will
Total dependence
The poverty of the person
The persons readiness for anything
The last resort of survival
*D) God's Will be done*
We pray in Lord's Prayer, *Thy Will be done*
So here is a leper who translates this prayer into his life when he says *If you wish, you can make me clean*
The leper says I want to be clean, not my will, but according to your will
This is called real prayer
Accepting God's will in the primary aspect of Prayer
*E) Allows God to touch Him*
The leper allows Jesus to touch Him
The divine touch is the integral aspect of prayer
Finally the prayer of the Leper was heard by Jesus and answered by Jesus
*3) The Power of Leper's Prayer*
The prayer was so powerful, which moved Jesus
He was moved with pity
He stretched out hand towards him
He touched him
He prayed over him
He wished him for the cure of the leprosy
He also gave some instructions
All these happened because of the powerful prayer of the leper
*4) How powerful my Prayer is?*
After having analysed the prayer of the Leper, now the question is, how is my prayer life?
How do I approach God?
How do I see the aspect of coming to Jesus?
What is my disposition when I ask something from God?
Am I able to kneel when I come before God?
Approach with humility or demand for favours from God?
*Think about it*
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim DSouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
No comments:
Post a Comment