The Power of Hold the serpents in the Hands

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Thursday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-18*

*First Reading : Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22*

*The Power of Hold the serpents in the Hands*

*1) Serpent and its meaning*

In the Old Testament serpent represents the Evil, Devil or Satan 

The Satan comes in the form of serpent, and traps the Eve 

In the New Testament also we find serpent in the context of the temptations of Jesus

So it is identified with Satan and Evil 

*2) One Who believes in Christ will be able to pick up serpents*

The Gospel of the day tells us that one who believes in Jesus will be able to pick up the serpent 

One who is expert in handling the snakes will be able to pick up the snakes 

Once the person picks up the snake it comes under the control of the person who picks up 

So picking up the snakes simply means that the person has the power to control the snakes

*3) One Who believes in Christ, has the power to pick up the serpent*

The Gospel makes it clear that, person can bring the snake under His/Her control,  provided one believes in the power of Jesus

A follower of Jesus must possess this power of handling the snakes for  a better life 

*4) Need to handle these serpents*

The serpent of Ego

The serpent of hatred 

The serpent of selfishness

The serpent of anger 

The serpent of pride

The serpent of revenge

The serpent of jealousy

The serpent of gossip

When we believe in Jesus and practice  His values, we are able to control these serpents, which destroy our life 

*5) St Paul's Conversion*

Today we celebrate the conversion of St Paul 

This conversion comes in the life of St Paul, when he controlled, the following serpents 

The serpent of ego 

The serpent of arrogance

The serpent of wrong understanding

The serpent of anger, hatred etc 

So with Damascus experience, He was able to control the serpent, which brought about a great conversion

*6) How is my Fight with Serpent?*

Am I fighting with these above serpents? 

Am I able to pick up them, in order to bring them under my own control? 

Jesus can help us in our fight against these devil. Am I ready to cooperate with Jesus ?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*