Standing outside one can't see Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:19-21*

*First Reading : Prv 21:1-6, 10-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44*

*Standing outside one can't see Jesus*

*1) “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside*

In today's Gospel we have the family members who are standing out side, who wish to see Jesus 

They tried to come inside but were unable to come in because of the crowd

As a result they were not able to see Jesus from outside 

*2) Jesus didn't come outside*

It is also very clear that Jesus didn't come out to meet his family members 

Instead of coming out, Jesus gives a solution to the family members how they can come inside 

So ultimately the inside is more important than the outside 

The need to going inside is very much highlighted from the approach of Jesus 

*3) Out side and Inside*

These are two concepts - Outside and Inside, which are powerfully seen in today's Gospel 

In between these two things there is problem called crowd 

The challenge to go from outside to inside breaking the power of the crowd is very much seen 

*4) Spiritual meaning of outside and inside*

Apart from the physical meaning for these words, these words also have a deeper spiritual meaning for our life 

Inside represents the following 

Being with Jesus 

Being with Grace 

Practicing various values life, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, generosity, humility, prayer, simplicity, sincerity etc 

The Outside represents the following 

Being under the influence of devil and Satan 

Being the slave of sin 

Addiction to alcohol, power, money, wealth, sensual pleasures, drugs and to evil habits 

Practicing hypocrisy, gossip, jealousy, greed, revenge, etc 

The negative things also represent the aspect of Crowd 

*5) The Way to come inside*

Jesus gives one powerful solution, that is the Word of God 

*Those who hear the word of God and act on it.* come into the inner circle of the family 

Word of God is very powerful, which can break open any crowd and make way for us to come inside 

*The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.* Hebrews 4:12

*6) Out side the Church and inside the Church*

This thinking also seen hear 

There are some who stand outside and see inside everything bad. They criticise, and see everything bad. Nothing is good inside 

They wish to remain outside because they think nothing is right inside 

There are some inside but behave like they are outside. Nothing affects them 

*7) Where is my place?*

Am I inside or out side? 

Am I with Jesus or not with Jesus? 

What is the crowd that I face to go inside? 

How do I try to go inside? What are the instruments or strategy I use to go inside 

No influence will work, but only proper and genuine way will lead to inside

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*