The Effect of the Good Work

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:1-10*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17*

*The Effect of the Good Work*

*1) The Goodness of the Centurion*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Centurion,  who is good and a model to be imitated 

First of all He loved his slave. This shows the human respect he had towards others. To love a slave during the time of Jesus speaks something great about the centurion

He is doing his best to save the slave. He considered the slave as someone who is great, important and valuable to him 

The centurion also was very generous and service oriented person, because he built a synagogue to the Jews and he also loved the Jewish nation and their society

This shows the broadmindedness of the centurion. 

*2) People Listen to Him*

Since the centurion was good, the effect of this goodness is seen in different ways 

When he asked some favour people immediately obliged for the same

When the slave of centurion was not keeping well, he asked the help of some elders. Immediately they went out of their way to help the centurion. 

This is what happens when some is good to the others 

*3) People Request on behalf of Him*

When the people went to seek for a favour for the centurion with Jesus, first they spoke very well about the centurion

Secondly they also praised the  centurion for the good works done for the community

Not only that, they urged Jesus to help this man, because he was good. 

Goodness had tremendous impact on others 

*4) Jesus' willingness to go to His House*

When things were communicated to Jesus, immediately Jesus started his journey towards the centurions house 

He didn't ask any questions, but simply started his journey. The goodness of the centurion is also the effect of Jesus' response towards the centurion

*5) The great favour to the centurion*

Jesus does a great miracle for the centurion. 

The slave of the centurion was completely healed and he was able to function well 

The goodness of the centurion made Jesus to heal the slave 

This is the power of the goodness

*6) The Appreciation by Jesus*

Towards the end we also see that Jesus is appreciating highly about the goodness of the centurion

Jesus was amazed and  says *“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”*

This shows that Jesus made the centurion as the model to be imitated, for his deep faith in Jesus 

*7) Good Works are very Powerful*

Good works have tremendous power. Its effects are very powerful. At times they change the persons and change the situations 

Good works are like rain. They never fail to produce fruit 

How about my good works?  Do I try my level best to do good works, without any selfish motives, for the good of the others?

Good works always brings is a good brand to our personality and to our image 

*Do good for others It will come back to you in unexpected ways.* By Aman Mehndiratta

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*