The Hypothetical Watching of the Pharisees

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Second Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 3:1-6*

*First Reading : Heb 7:1-3, 15-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4*

*The Hypothetical Watching of the Pharisees*

*1) The Watching of the Pharisees*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the watching of Pharisees

Pharisees watched Jesus very closely 

This watching was not for learning something good, but with a bad intention

The way of watching people or things can break people or can help people 

*2) The Danger of Hypocrisy*

The Pharisees appeared outwardly religious, but their actions revealed their true motives: pride, jealousy, and a desire to maintain control. 

They watched Jesus not to learn or grow but to find reasons to accuse Him.

This could be called as very crooked or evil way of watching others 

*3) Watching to Accuse vs. Watching to Learn*

The Pharisees watched Jesus with suspicion, and not with faith. 

Their intent was to discredit Him, insult him and to find fault with him 

Because of this attitude they missed the opportunity to witness the power and love of God at work.

*4) Spiritual Blindness and Hardened Hearts*

Their watching was not rooted in openness but in opposition. 

The Pharisees’ hearts were hardened, unable to see Jesus as the Messiah despite the miracles and truth He displayed.

When heart and mind is filled with filth, the watching or look becomes crooked and evil 

*5) The Call to Watch Jesus with the Right Heart*

The Pharisees watched Jesus to accuse Him, and to find fault with Him 

We are invited to watch Him with faith and humility, seeking to follow His example and understand His teachings

*6) How do I look Jesus and  Others?*

When I look at Jesus what are my intentions? 

Do I wish good for others or do I wish something bad for others? 

How do I look at others? 

Is my look a compassionate one? 

Is my look a lovable one? 

Is my look a service oriented one? 

Is my look motivates me to sacrifice my comforts for others? 

Is my look helps me to be generous towards others? 

*Or*

Is my look to trap others?

Is my look to find out the mistakes of others?

Is my look to malign others name? 

Is my look to destroy others?

Watching and Looking others is very important in our life 

While Rightful watch help everyone, Evil watch can destroy Eveyone 

*Choice is yours*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*