Need of being Inside to become the member of Jesus' Family

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty Third Week : Thursday*

*The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Gospel : Mt 12:46-50*

*First Reading : Zec 2:14-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : Lk 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55*

*Need of being Inside to become the member of Jesus' Family*

*1) Out Side and Inside*

In today's Gospel, these are two important aspects which we need to reflect 

There is a reference to these two aspects, and there is also a deeoer meaning involved in these terms 

*2) Your mother and your brothers are standing outside,*

This is what we read in today's Gospel

In this context this *outside* could be the place, while referring to Jesus 

Jesus is inside and family members are outside 

*3) Jesus' Response to Out siders*

Some one said to Jesus from the crowd that *Your mother and your brothers are standing outside*

Jesus reply was for the insiders 

There is no reference that Jesus accepted those who were outside as Mother, brothers or Sisters 

So, all those who are *out side* can't be called as Mother, brothers or Sisters

*4) Jesus' response to the insiders*

*Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.*

These were sitting *inside* and not *outside*

So to become the family member we should belong to the inside 

Family members consists of insiders and not out siders 

So there is a great challenge to become insiders 

*5) Deeper meaning of Inside and Out Side*

These two terms have deeper spiritual meaning for our life 

*Insiders would be*

Those who are with Jesus

Those who follow the teachings of Jesus 

Those who follow the gospel values 

Those who listen to the word of God 

Those who practice the word of God

Those who are able to forgive

Those who are able to sacrifice

Those who are able to love ones enemies

Those who are able to share 

Those who are able to practice generosity

Those who are able to bear witness to Christ

*Outsider would be* 

Those who reject Jesus 

Those who persecute the followers of Jesus

Those who divine and destroy

Those who promote atheism

Those who question the existence of God 

Those who live under the influence of Satan and Sin 

Those unwilling to change their life 

*6) Am I insider or Out Sider?*

Having reflected the importance of inside and out side, where do I belong? 

Am I found inside or out side? 

What are the blocks which make me to remain out side? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*