Six Reactions from the Crowd

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Fourth Week: Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 7:40-53*

*First Reading : Jer 11:18-20*

*Six Reactions from the Crowd*

*1) The Crowd*

Crowd plays  a very important role in everything

At times it is the crowd which decides everything

When Jesus was in Jerusalem, there was a huge crowd, which has gathered for the Passover feast 

So, this crowd has different reactions towards Jesus and His ministry  

*2) “This is truly the Prophet.”*

One group among the Crowd was of the opinion that, Jesus was a great Prophet 

They saw all the qualities of a prophet in Jesus 

Infact Jesus was a great prophet, or we can say that Jesus was more than a prophet

*3) “This is the Christ.”*

Another group was of the opinion that Jesus is the Christ

In fact this is the real and correct identity of Jesus 

Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah and the Only saviour of the World 

It is true that in the Crowd, there are also people who will perceive the things in a perfect way 

*4) Negative reaction*

This is the another group which was of the opinion that Christ will not come from Galilee. But he has to come from David's family and from Bethlehem

This crowd is not ready to verify the facts. But cling on to the information what they thing right 

As a result, they are not able to understand what was the reality

*5) Group who wanted to arrest and Kill Jesus*

This is another group in the big crowd 

This group only found fault with Jesus and had developed a hostile attitude towards Jesus 

When Jesus challenged thier hypocrisy, they became angry. Therefore they wanted to arrest and kill him 

*6) Guards*

Guards also form the part of the Group

They were sent by the authority to arrest Jesus 

The Guards, in fact don't know the ground reality. They do their duty because of thr  order from above 

The Guard who came to arrest Jesus went back without arresting Him. Because they saw something unsusl in Jesus 

About this when the authorities, they said their experience and greatness of Jesus 

*7) The Pharisees*

This is the working group behind, which plans everything for the bigger crowd 

Basically they are frightened about losing their authority, power, and influence

Therefore they try different methods to eliminate all those who challenge them 

This group has the capacity to use the crowd as they want 

This group because of thier power, they can do either good or bad 

*8) My Group*

In any situation this is the normal reaction, from the Crowd, towards a particular person 

Even today the same logic is followed in the walk of our life 

I am also the part of the Crowd. If so what is my response or my responsibility???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*