The Primary Duty of the Followers of Jesus : To observe and to teach the commandments

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Third Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:17-19*

*First Reading : Dt 4:1, 5-9*

*The Primary Duty of the Followers of Jesus : To observe and to teach the commandments*

*1) Who is great in the Kingdom of Heaven?*

The Gospel of the day has this particular question and as well as the answer 

It says, *"whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”*

This shows the importance of the commandments of the Lord 

*2) The Commandments of the Lord*

In the Old Testament we have 10 commandments which were given by the Lord, on Mount Sinai to Moses 

Observing these commandments and teaching them to others is one of the primary duties of a Christian

Through which we can become great in the kingdom of Heaven

*3) Simplification of the Commandments by Jesus*

In the New Testament, Jesus simplifies all the commandments and gives us the following understanding

*A) Love and teach others to Love*

This is one of the most powerful aspects of the commandments of the Lord 

Love as Jesus loved. Unconditional, sacrificial, self-emptying love, which needs total commitment

*B) Forgive and teach others to Forgive*

This is the highlight of Jesus' ministry and teaching 

Forgiveness can't be disconnected from Christian spirituality

*C) Serve and teach others to serve*

Service is the foundation of Jesus' spirituality and kernel of the commandments

Through service one can share ones life with others for the greater glory of God

*D) Bear witness and teach others to Witness*

We need to bear witness through our life and ministry. 

Observing the values of Christ will help us to bear witness to Christ and we need to teach the same to others 

*E) Pray and teach others to pray*

A follower of Jesus can't survive with out prayer. 

First of all one needs to pray of lot and teach others to pray as well 

*F) Suffering and teaching others to endure suffering*

Suffering is the part of Christian life. One has to suffer for the sake of Jesus 

Teaching others how to endure suffering is also very important 

*4) Opportunity to become great in the Kingdom of Heaven*

There are number of opportunities to become great in the Kingdom of heaven 

Becoming great in the kingdom of heaven is the primary purpose of our life 

By observing and teaching others the above mentioned things one can become great in the kingdom of Heaven 

If so, am I ready to become great in the kingdom of heaven? 

Am I ready to follow the path of greatness in heaven, which is demanding and challenging? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*