Message of Repentance and forgiveness of sins should begin from Jerusalem

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 24:35-48*

*First Reading : Acts 3:13-15, 17-19*

*SECOND READING - 1 Jn 2:1-5a*

*Message of Repentance and forgiveness of sins should begin from Jerusalem*

*1) The Risen Christ's Command* 

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the important message of the Risen Lord 

The Risen Lord exhorts his disciples to preach the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins 

This shows the importance of this message 

*2) Importance of Jerusalem*

Jerusalem becomes important place for Jesus 

The early life of Jesus, the ministry, the passion, and death, becomes important events in the life of Jesus

The resurrection of Jesus and the first appearance of Jesus and the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins becomes central points in Jerusalem

So Jerusalem becomes  important place for the spread of the message of the Risen Lord

*3) The spread of the Mission*

The mission which started from Jerusalem, became very effective, first of all in Jerusalem and then around it and finally to the entire world 

So the beginning point, Jerusalem becomes very important for all of us 

*4) Jerusalem - in my Life*

The starting point Jerusalem, also has very deep significance in our life 

So, Jerusalem is not  only a particular place but also has other meanings, or spiritual meanings 

So Jerusalem, is our own life, our own home, our own community, our own neighborhood, our own surroundings and our own society

So the message of  Repentance and Forgiveness of sins should begin in these places and should spread to the other places 

*5) Importance of Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins*

Jesus  started his mission with the call of repentance 

He continued his mission by highlighting the need of forgiveness of Sins 

In fact, Jesus became man, to actualize the mission of the forgiveness of Sins 

So the same message is being proclaimed, after the resurrection of Jesus 

So, these aspects become very important  in the Mission of Jesus

*6) Am I ready to begin this Mission in my Jerusalem*

After having known about the importance of Jerusalem, which connects my life very closely, what is my response? 

Am I ready to begin the mission of repentance and forgiveness of sins, first of all, in my own life and family? 

A mission which begins from my own life and from my family will have some lasting effect. 

If so, what is my response?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*