Shrewd as serpents and simple as doves

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Fourteenth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 10:16-23*

*First Reading : Hos 14:2-10*

*Shrewd as serpents and simple as doves*

*1) Serpent and Dove*

Both these creatures are mentioned in the Bible 

Serpent in the First book of the bible in Genesis mentioned as evil, Satan, Tempter and destroyer. It is symbol for wickedness and crookedness

On the other hand Dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit

Dove has a special significance in the Bible. It represents the Holiness, goodness and gentleness

In today's Gospel Jesus uses these opposite things while warning about the persecutions which they will face while doing their ministry. 

So how to understand this 

*2) Lessons from Both creatures*

Even though they stand for different things, one is for good and the other one is for evil, Jesus wants us to learn a very practical lesson from these creatures

Both these creatures teach us a very powerful lesson, which is very helpful for the followers of Jesus 

*3) Lessons from the Serpent*

Jesus says be shrewd as serpent. The shrewdness of the serpent consists in the following

*Sharpness* The serpent is very sharp in its approach. It can calculate what things are happening around. Jesus says, a follower must have the sharpness of the serpent

*Alertness*  The serpent is very alert in its movement. While moving it is very alert. A follower of Jesus must be alert like the serpent

*Raised Head* When it perceives danger, it raises its head and stands erect. It does not run away from the place. A follower of Jesus must raise his/her head high especially when there is a challenge. Not to run away from the situation. Need to face it 

*Swiftness*  Serpent is very swift in its movement. One should be swift like serpent in our mission 

*Not Lazy* Serpent is not lazy like python. Its very active. A follower should not be like python, which sleeps more than work, but like serpent, which is quick active and alert

*4) Lessons from the Dove*

Jesus says Simple as Dove or Gentle as Dove. The simplicity or the gentle attitude of the dove consists in the following

*Innocence* Dove stands for innocence. A follower should have the quality of innocence, as that of Dove

*Peace* Another symbol of Dove. A follower should always work for peace and not for violence. Kingdom of God is built on peace and not on violence

*Holiness* Dove represents the Holy Spirit, who is the source of Holiness. Holiness is the hallmark of the follower of Jesus, which needs to be learnt from Dove

*Sensitivity* Sensitivity is the another name for gentleness. Jesus was very sensitive to the needs of others. A follower of Jesus must be very sensitive towards the other

*Compassion* Dove is also the symbol of compassion. Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw the crowds without a shepherd. We need to be like dove to have this virtue of compassion

*5) Shrewdness of the serpent and gentleness of the Dove in my life*

These represent two important areas of our life. 

How far have I incorporated the above qualities in my life? 

Am I shrewd and gentle when it comes to the spiritual things? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*