Jesus and the Crowds

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty First Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:15-25*

*First Reading : Phil 2:12-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14*

*Jesus and the Crowds*

*1) The Large Crowds*

The Gospel of the day starts with the Large Crowds, which followed Jesus 

Among the crowds, some may be knowing Jesus, and some may not know Jesus 

Some may have to come to get some favours some others to taste little food 

So in the crowds there are variety of people were there 

*2) Jesus' reaction towards the Crowd*

Jesus was not taken up by the number of the crowds 

He wanted genuine disciples who will follow him in everything 

That's why, he turns towards the crowds and clearly states the demands which are to be followed by those who would follow Him 

So he clearly tells them *If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple*

*3) Crowd and Popularity*

The philosophy of crowd is popularity 

There is no rhyme and reason when some one follows the crowd 

Jesus is not fascinated by the popularity of the crowd. He wanted genuine disciples who would follow him 

Jesus does not believe in great number, but in genuine discipleship and commitment

*4) Crowd is only a momentary reality*

Crowd can't survive long. Crowd is the outburst of some reality or attraction which remains for some time 

Crowd can move in any direction, either in support or in opposition 

The fidelity of the crowd is always a question mark

Crowd moves in popular belief, either right or wrong, which is immaterial

*5) The misuse of the Crowd*

In the crowd, Jesus was very popular figure 

The crowd had great regard and respect to Jesus 

Yet Jesus never used the crowd for his personal glory and success

In the present day situation, the voice of the crowd is becoming more and powerful 

At times the voice of the crowd, becomes the destructive power and it affects every one 

*6) Crowd in my Life?*

How about my life and Crowd? 

Have I become the victim of the Crowd?

What is my role in the Crowd? 

 

Is crowd deciding for me with out being heard of my views?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*