Come To me : Jesus' Loving Call

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Fifteenth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:28-30*

*First Reading : Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19*

*Come To me : Jesus' Loving Call*

*1) Come to me*

In the New Testament the word *Come* has a special significance 

Jesus calls his first disciples to *Come and See* the place where Jesus lived 

Jesus tells His disciples to *Come* to a lonely place to take some rest 

In today's Gospel Jesus once again calls *Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.*

So there is a special significance to this word 

*2) A loving Invitation*

The calling of Jesus is all time invitation to all those who hear His voice 

He started his ministry by calling people to come to his presence 

Jesus wishes every one comes to him, to experience his divine power and mercy, which will liberate a person from the slavery of sin

*3) There is no other Way*

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

This is one of the reasons why we have to go to Jesus 

Only though Jesus we can go to eternal life 

Since He is the only way, we need to go to Jesus and Jesus invites all of us to this way 

*4) Never to become a hindrance*

Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 19:14

This a warning for every one 

There are many who would like to respond to the invitation of the Lord and wants to come to Jesus 

To such persons one should never become a hurdle in their way 

Jesus rebuked his disciples for becoming a hurdle to the little children who wanted to come to Jesus 

*5) The benefits of Coming to Jesus*

The invitation of Jesus is very clear 

*Come to me all who labor and are burdened*

In exchange he will take our burdens and give us lighter yoke 

All of us suffer from the

Burden of sin 

Burden of guilt 

Burden of trails of life 

Burden of sickness

Burden of stress

Burden of anxiety

Burden of social evils 

*6) Various ways of Coming to Jesus*

We can respond to the invitation of Jesus in the following ways 

Sacrament of reconciliation

Celebration of the Eucharist

Sacramental adoration

Prayer life 

Following the Gospel values like, forgiveness, humility, generosity, sacrifice etc 

*7) My readiness*

Jesus' invitation is open to all and at any time

What about my response? 

Am I ready to come to Jesus? 

What are my hurdles to come to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*