Rejection, Suffering, Martyrdom and Resurrection are the integral part of Christian life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Thursday after Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:22-25*

*First Reading : Dt 30:15-20*

*Rejection, Suffering, Martyrdom and Resurrection are the integral part of Christian life*

*1)  The Important Things in Jesus' Life*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the very important things in Jesus' Life 

*A) Rejection*

Rejection of Jesus can be found even in His birth. The selfish king Herod did not welcome the Birth of Jesus 

Later Jesus was rejected in His own town by His own people 

Finally he was rejected by the larger number of people which led to be crucified on the Cross

*B) Suffering*

Jesus had to face severe suffering while preaching the Kingdom of God and establishing the Kingdom of God 

The intense suffering at the scourging, carrying of the Cross, and finally the  painful crucifixion

Apart from this physical suffering, the mental suffering, the emotional suffering, and other sufferings as well Jesus had to face 

*C) Martyrdom*

Jesus' glorious martyrdom on the Cross, for the sake of entire human kind 

Martyrdom on the Cross, by scarifying his life for everyone, to make us the sharers of eternal life 

*D) Resurrection*

This is seen as the final goal of rejection, suffering and Martyrdom

Unless there is resurrection, there is not meaning for these things 

*2) By ones own People*

The Gospel clearly says, *The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes*

All these belong to the Jewish community. Jesus also the part of this community 

Ultimately Jesus had to face all these things from His own community 

*3) Purpose of Jesus' Mission*

All these things happened Jesus' Life for our sake. *That we may have life, life in abundance*

Jesus didn't suffer for the sake of suffering, He suffered for our sake, to liberate us from sin and slevery and to give us real freedom 

*4) Reality of our life*

All the things which happened in the life of Jesus shows the way in which the follower of Jesus should proceed

Accordingly, the rejection, suffering and the martyrdom of various kinds are the integral part of Christian life 

There is no resurrection, without rejection, suffering and the Cross 

This is how it moves 

*5) Season of Lent*

It is a season of God's grace 

It is a special time for us to reflect about, suffering and cross of Jesus and to find meaning to our suffering and Cross 

Until and unless we find meaning in Suffering and Cross, our life becomes meaningless 

 Am I ready to find meaning in suffering and Cross or do I wait only for glorious things in life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*