Importance of the Approach

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 22:34-40*

*First Reading : Ez 37:1-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Importance of the Approach*

*1) Our Approach towards Jesus*

The Gospel of the day speaks about our approach towards Jesus 

The way we approach Jesus will be the result we will receive from the approach 

If our approach is good, we will be blessed. If our approach is filled with evil intention, we will not receive any blessings from God 

*2) The approach of the Scholar*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the approach of the Scholar

With the intention of *testing* Jesus, he approached Jesus 

Either he wanted to trap Jesus or wanted to show that he knows better than Jesus or to humiliate Jesus in front of Sadducees and Scribes 

Such was the intention of the Scholar. At the end we see, Jesus uses this opportunity to communicate the  correct teachings about the Beauty of Love 

*3) Sadducees, Scribes and the Scholars of the Law*

In Matthew Chapter 22, we have 4 instances where Sadducees, Scribes and the so called Scholars of the law approach Jesus purely with the intention of testing, trapping and humiliating him 

So their intention was very clear. In each of these above incidents they wanted to challenge Jesus with their knowledge pride and arrogance 

*4) The Hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees*

Following these things, in Chapter 23 Jesus uses very harsh words to condem their hypocrisy

Jesus calls them as, hypocrites, blind guides, blind fools, Whitewashed tombs, filled with greed and self indulgence

Finally the colour of the Scribes and Pharisees is seen in the above harsh words. 

When the approach is wrong, this is what is seen in the underneath

*5) The Correct Approach*

Nicodemus approached Jesus to know about the truths of the kingdom of God. He considered Jesus as the man with great wisdom. Finally he goes back as enlightened man 

Zacchaeus approached Jesus for a change of life. Finally he went back as fully converted man 

Mary Magdalene approached Jesus for Mercy. She experienced mercy and become first apostle to communicate the message of the Risen Lord 

The Syrophoenician woman, realised the divinity and the miraculous power of Jesus. She had come to Jesus for a favour for her daughter. She asked for crumbs. But she received the Whole bread. She became the champion of Faith. Her approach was totally a faith based one 

*6) How about my approach?*

Many times in my life I approach Jesus for different reasons? 

How is my approach? 

A faith based approach? 

A casual approach? 

Approach purely for a favour? 

Approach for a miracle? 

Approach for real experience? 

Approach out of fear? 

Approach out of frustration? 

Approach for external show? 

A hypothetical approach? 

A diplomatic approach? 

Approach for recognition? 

Approach for a chance of life? 

Approach for mercy? 

What is my approach to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*