Temptation to go to former way of Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Third Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:11-18*

*First Reading : Acts 4:8-12*

*Temptation to go to former way of Life*

*1) Many of his disciples returned to their former way of life*

The Gospel of the day presents to us one of the common, yet powerful temptation of Human life 

When the disciples of Jesus found his teachings are very challenging, they returned to their old ways of life 

This shows one of the greatest temptations of Human life, when life is met with challenges, to return to the former ways of life 

*2)  Temptation after the death of Jesus*

Disciples were  with Jesus for three years. They followed Jesus very closely. Yet when their life was challenged after the death of Jesus, the temptation to go back to the former way of life is very clear 

The disciples at Emmaus, is a clear example for this temptation

After the death of Jesus, two of the disciples were on the way of Emmaus, to go back to their former way of life 

The reason is, their leader, Jesus had been put to death and they thought that everything came to an end 

So they decided to go back to the former way of life 

*3) Who is greatest among the Disciples?*

This is another example which is coming from the life of the disciples

This is a purely worldly thinking, which was very strong in the lives of the disciples, even after spending time with Jesus 

So this proves that the disciples wanted to go back to the former way of life 

*4) Life is a choice to choose for each moment*

Each moment we have to make choice to embrace the new way of life to grow or to remain where we are or to go back to the former way of life 

The disciples of Jesus had hard choices to meet the demands of the Gospel, which often tempted them to go back to the former way of life

So each day, as Christians we need to accept the challenges of our life to move towards the higher form of life  

*5) The need of Higher enlightenment*

To understand and to accept the teachings of Jesus and to grow in the values of the Gospel, one needs a higher form of enlightenment 

To turn away from the temptations of this world and to accept the values of Jesus one needs deeper spirituality and enlightenment 

This deeper enlightenment comes through the prayer, following the commandments of the Lord, and reading and meditating the Scriptures

*6) How do I face this temptation?*

The temptation to go back to the former way of life is very strong in our life 

When we are challenged with most difficult things in our life, we go back to the older ways of life 

So, how is this temptation in my life? 

How often I suffer from this temptation? 

What are the ways, which I use to overcome this temptation?

Have I become the victim of this temptation?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*