The tragedy of Leaving and Going away from Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Ninth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 12:1-12*

*First Reading : 2 Pt 1:2-7*

*The tragedy of Leaving and Going away from Jesus*

*1) They left him and went away*

The last part of the Gospel has the above mentu words 

Thses words refer to the Scribes and Pharisees, who had come to Jesus either to find fault with him or to question him 

The attitude of the Scribes and Pharisees clearly shows that they didn't agree with Jesus, which is clearly seen  in today's Gospel 

*2) Reasons to go away from Jesus*

First of all Jesus challenged them about their own behavior 

The parable was a direct reference to their life. Jesus was trying to convey a powerful message to them through this parable 

The scribes and Pharisees also understood that the parable was addressed to them, to reflect their own hypocrisy

*3) They could not challenge Jesus*

When Jesus showed them their hypocrisy, they had no arguments to prove that they are innocent and just 

They had no arguments to challenge Jesus about their own behavior 

The scribes and Pharisees understood that Jesus was referring to their hypocrisy. So they had no face to deal with the situation. So they went away from Jesus 

*4) Lack of Humility*

The scribes and Pharisees were very proud about their attitude 

They lacked humility. That's why they were unable to accept their faults 

With such an attitude of hypocrisy and pride one can't stand before Jesus. So they went away from Jesus 

*5) Repercussions of going away from Jesus*

The scribes and Pharisees went away from Jesus 

Instead of choosing the light they chose darkness

Finally the vineyard was taken back from them and they were thrown out 

They were disqualified from the award for which they were originally chosen 

They lost the eternal treasure, which they could have easily attained

Finally it is a loss in every aspect by going away from Jesus  

*6) Am I able to stand/Stay with Jesus?*

How do I stay with Jesus? 

Is it by free will or by force?

Am I able to follow the demands of Jesus in order to stay with Jesus? 

How often I go away from Jesus? 

What are the ways which I use to come back to Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*