The significance of the Finger of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Third Week: Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:14-23*

*First Reading : Jer 7:23-28*

*The significance of the Finger of God*

*1) Finger of God and the Third plague*

For the first time we hear about the finger of God in Exodus 8:19 

In this context the magicians of the  king Pharaoh, tell him about the Third plague 

They said *This is the Finger of God* which is responsible for this plague 

In a way that the magicians are accepting the defeat before the Finger of God and God's power 

*2) Finger of God and the Ten commandments*

The book of Exodus makes a second reference to the Finger of God in Ex 31:18

Here it is in the context of Writing the 10 commandments

*When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.*

*3) Finger of God and Casting out demons*

In the New Testament we see Jesus is casting out demons 

Here once again it is highlighted that *By the finger of God he drives out the demons*

Once again it shows the power of God and His fight against the devil 

*4) Moses and New Moses*

There is a close connection between Moses and Jesus who is the New Moses of New Israel 

Moses acknowledged the power of God while liberating the people from the slavery of Pharaoh

The New Moses, Jesus is also showing the Power of God, while liberating the people from the slavery of Satan 

Finger of God shows the Power of God

*5) Strong Man*

The Gospel also makes a reference to the Strong man who can attack the enemy

The strong man in today's Gospel referred by Jesus highlights the importance of the finger of God 

The Gospel shows that the strong man is none other than God, who is represented by the Finger of God  

*6) The Finger of God Shows greater Things*

The finger of God shows the beginning of God's reign

Later it grows into the hand and then to arm 

Therefore Ezekiel wrote, that the *mighty hand and outstretched arm* will again save the faithful remnant of Jews.

When Jesus says about the Finger of God, it highlights the immediacy of the establishment of God's kingdom

The progression of power starts with the finger, the hand, and then the arm. The visible theocratic Kingdom of God was subsequently established through the "mighty hand and outstretched arm" of God.

*7) Finger of God in my Life*

Moses accepted the power of the finger of the Lord. He became a great person in the sight of God 

Jesus shows the importance of the finger of God, which is compares to a strong man 

How about the Finger of God in my Life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*