Only Love can defeat the violence

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eleventh Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:38-42*

*First Reading : 1 Kgs 21:1-16*

*Only Love can defeat the violence*

*1) Violence for Violence*

This is one of the methods, which the world follows very rigorously

The world is very quick to repay, not only the same amount of violence, but at times two times or three times more violence than the actual violence

The result of this particular principle would be the following

More violence

More loss of life 

More loss of property 

More loss of resources 

More unrest and hostility

More division than peace

Wounded society than a peaceful 

More sufferings to the innocent people 

Continuation of violence to an unexpected time  

*2) Love to Violence*

This is the another principle which is practiced by few enlightened people in the World 

This is the principle of Jesus and He followed it to its spirit

This is the core of Christian a spirituality, without which no Christian spirituality will exist

The Results of Love for violence

The violence stops immediately 

The violence loses its power 

The violence automatically stops, without the help of anything else 

Creates peaceful atmosphere

Creates a friendly relations

Resources are saved 

No waste of time 

We lose nothing, but gain many things 

Creates a new society

*3) The principle of non violence*

We are very familiar with this principle. This principle we read in the philosophy of Gandhi 

Jesus goes into deeper level to return only love, forgiveness and generosity in any situation, and especially in the violent situation

That's why Jesus says to show the other cheek as well, to take the cloak as well and to walk one extra mile 

*4) Break the pattern of violence*

Jesus broke the pattern of violence through the instrument of Love and Forgiveness 

He asked not only love ones enemies, He loved his  enemies and forgave them from the cross. 

This attitude of Jesus surely shows us how he broke the pattern of violence 

Today it is the need of the hour to break the pattern of violence 

*5) How can I fight against the violence*

Need the spirit of forgiveness

Need the spirit of humility

Need the spirit of genuine love 

Need the spirit of hope 

Need to focus on Jesus' values 

Need the aspect of courage and patience

Am I ready to fight against the violence, by adopting the values of Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*