The Speciality of the House of Bethany

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Seventh Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:38-42*

*First Reading : Gal 1:13-24*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15*

*The Speciality of the House of Bethany*

*1) The Special House*

Among all the houses during the time of Jesus, which he visited or passed by, the house of Bethany, has a special significance 

The house gets the special significance because of the following reasons 

*2) Jesus' Visit*

The house becomes special because of the visit of Jesus. 

Jesus not only visited this house only once, but he visited many times 

*3) Jesus is present in that House*

The house also gets special significance because of the presence of Jesus. 

The Gospel of the day, shows us that, Jesus is present in the house of Martha and Mary 

Definitely, a house becomes special and Holy because of the presence of Jesus 

*4) Jesus' Preaching in the House*

The house also becomes the centre of breaking of the word of God. 

Since Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, Jesus was proclaiming the Gospel to her 

This house becomes the place of preaching too 

*5) House which witnesses the presence and the conversation*

The house at Bethany becomes special because, the members of the house were present when Jesus came 

The house at Bethany becomes special because, the members in the house were able to welcome Jesus, were able to talk to Jesus freely, were able to share their grievances and were able to spend time with Jesus 

That's why the house at Bethany was a special one 

*6) House shows balanced approach*

This house is a special house because it shows us the balanced approach

The importance of work is seen

The importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him 

Work, Service and spending time with Jesus, a beautiful blend is seen at the house of Bethany. 

That's why the House at Bethany is special one 

*7) House got recorded in the Gospel*

This is one of houses which has special place in the Gospel, because of Jesus' presence and relationship

The Gospel records this house along with the incident which takes place in the house 

This house will remain forever, as long as the Gospel exist.

Gospels have eternal value, so to house at Bethany has eternal value, since it is found in the Gospel, and its relationship with Jesus 

*8) My House*

*One* is the material house where I stay with my family members

*Secondly* my life itself is like a house 

How do I welcome Jesus into my House?

Am I happy to welcome Jesus into my house of Life? 

Will I be able to talk to Jesus when he comes? 

Will I be busy in my work, like Martha?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*