Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel - Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Fourteenth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:1-7*

*First Reading : Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12*

*Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel - Why?*

*1) God's first house was Israel*

God referred to Israel as “His people” (Deuteronomy 7:6)

His “treasured possession” (Psalm 135:4)

 The “apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8). 

From Deuteronomy 7:6-10, we know that God chose Israel when they were small and weak, a people without a land.  

Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah - Jer 31:31

For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the Lord of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth. Is 54:5

*2) Unfaithful Israel*

Even though God had chosen Israel as his own, Israel failed to remain faithful to the Lord 

Instead they went after other gods, and all evil things in the eyes of the Lord

That's why finally they were taken to the slavery to Babylon

*3) First put Your house in order*

In this context when Jesus says *Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel* it means that the disciples first should go to the people Israel and then towards the other 

The above saying *first put your house in order* really has a great meaning when Jesus commands his disciples to go to Israel 

*4) What is Israel for me?*

Israel is not a place which is situated far away from my place 

First of all Israel represents my own life. I must put in order my life first before I begin the other works 

Secondly, My family - I must try my level best to put order in my family 

Today Jesus says to me *Go rather to the lost members of your household*

Thirdly the neighborhood - which is very important to work together. Setting Order in neighborhood helps us to find our way to heaven 

*5) Urgency of the Mission*

Jesus soon after choosing his disciples gives them the command and authority to begin the mission

Immediately after certain training, they were sent among  the lost sheep of Israel to communicate the Good News

This shows the urgency of one's mission to put order in one's own family and then in other places 

*6) Am I ready for the Mission*

Like the 12, Jesus has chosen all of us to be sent among the lost sheep of the house of Israel 

The first house is my own life. Then comes my family. Thirdly the neighborhood, and society and the world at large 

Whatever dose not begin from my own life, does not continue for long time. It ceases to exist after some time 

So am I ready for this challenging mission? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*