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Commentary on the Gospel for Friday, October 11, 2024
Dear friends,
We hate being pushed out of our comfort zone. Psychologists say we all have a comfort zone. It’s about our relationships, environment and beliefs. It refers to the newspapers and radio we listen to. We usually hear opinions that we agree with because they just express what we already think. We feel comfortable in our comfort zone. Psychologists say we have to get out of it to grow. We have to talk to different people, visit new places, listen to other opinions and be open to new experiences. This is the only way to grow.
People who followed Jesus were upset by what he did. They could have felt Jesus was a new and saving presence. They stayed in their comfort zone. They looked for a solution. Jesus did these things because he was serving the chief of the demons. Jesus was freeing people from evil, but they thought this was just an act. In fact, Jesus was working for Beelzebub. This let them keep control of people’s relationship with God. They didn’t need to change. They could carry on as usual.
The Gospel shows us that Jesus is shocking. He challenges us to think differently and look for new solutions. The usual is no longer valid. The Kingdom speaks of a new reality. If we have always said ‘an eye for an eye’, perhaps it is time to look for new ways to achieve greater justice and fraternity. Perhaps it is time to think that things can change for the better.