A Balanced Focus between good and Challenging situations of Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:43b-45*

*First Reading : Eccl 11:9—12:8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17*

*A Balanced Focus between good and Challenging situations of Life*

*1) Our Focus on Happy Things* 

In our day today life we focus on many things, especially on those things which are beneficial to us 

In this category, we also chose those things which are easily attainable and which give us maximum happiness and satisfaction

We dont pay attention to  those things which are difficult to attain, even though they are much beneficial or profitable

*2) People were amazed about great things*

People see the bright side of Jesus' life 

People saw the miraculous power, the great things, his preaching, the healing power and an extraordinary divine power 

They not only saw these great things in the life of Jesus but they were amazed at these things 

The Gospel clearly says that *they were all amazed at his every deed,*

*3) Jesus asks to pay attention on Challenging things*

Jesus' life and ministry is not only the bright or glorious side 

There is also another side which is equally important, and also the part of Jesus' life 

That why Jesus says *“Pay attention to what I am telling you.*

In a way Jesus is drawing their attention to some of the important things 

*4) The other side of Jesus' life*

Jesus draws the attention of his disciples to the following things 

The handing over the Son of man in the hands of men 

This act involves the passion, suffering, crucifixion, death and Resurrection of Jesus 

These are most difficult and challenging situations of Jesus' life. 

Jesus draws attention of his disciples to these things 

*5) Life is Mixture of Both*

From the explanation of Jesus it is very clear that, life is the mixture of glorious and difficult, challenging things 

One should realise this hard fact of life, in order to appreciate the beauty of our life 

Usually the human tendency to see the good things and to avoid the challenging situations of life 

Jesus warns us about such an attitude of ours towards life and tells us to have a balanced approach towards life 

*5) A deeper desire to become like Jesus*

After having seen both the sides of Jesus, we must have a deeper desire to adopt the approach of Jesus towards our life

Jesus' approach is one of the balanced approach, which gives importance to both the things in life 

Am I ready to adopt Jesus' in my life?? 

*6) Fear to face the challenge?*

The last sentence of the Gospel gives us the impression that the disciples were frightened to clarify the things with Jesus 

The disciples didn't understand the importance of balanced approach to life 

Neither they had the courage to ask with Jesus 

Fear made them no to embrace the challenges of life

Am I frightened to face the challenges of our life?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*