Mt. 4: 12-23
Recently we had a short conference by Fr. Jose Parappally SDB, titled: ‘Authenticity and Decency.’ One of the main ideas that were developed at the conference was about being competent and accomplished. All of us are striving to acquire these qualities and trying to instill these qualities in those whom we give our care. However, in this bargain, we forget the basic purpose of our life: love. When I further reflected on this I realized it is very true.
What was the preferential option of Christ?
When we read through today’s gospel passage we understand that Jesus takes his stand always with those who are marginalized. Today’s gospel passage gives a paramount example of this benevolent attitude of Jesus. Jesus came to Capernaum and settled at the sea coast of Galilee. It was a port city so naturally a centre for commerce and trade. We find all sorts of people here. However, for Jews, it was a land of gentiles and they were not keen to build their life here because of the presence of immoral people and their lifestyles. Anyhow, it is quite surprising to note that Jesus begins his ministry from here, a centre of sinners and marginalized. He did not choose the city of Jerusalem, the city of God. “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” (Mt. 4:16) The act of Jesus was a clear depiction of God’s unconditional love towards the sinful humanity and desire for their liberation.
Jesus followed this preferential option for the marginalized all through his life. Again we see this attitude of Jesus manifested in the election of his 12 associates whom he called Apostles. They were called to become the ambassadors and preachers of his good news and God’s Kingdom. Humanly speaking, it is quite natural that we choose people who are eloquent and educated to communicate this great vision to the people. But, Jesus! Whom did He choose?
The second part of the gospel narrates to us the call of his first disciples. They were Peter and his brother Andrew, James and John, sons of Zebedee. They belonged to the community of fishermen, the so-called least of the Jewish community by way of their social status and educational background. Why did Jesus not choose at least one of the Pharisees or scribes, the learned men, well versed in law, culture, and traditions?
All these reveal the basic attitude of Jesus, his preferential option to take the side of those who are less privileged. From the very moment of his birth to his death, he manifested his self-identification with the poor. When we analyze all his teachings, we realize that the common thread that runs through his teaching is his predilection for the poor. Here the term ‘poor’ does not indicate those who are economically poor but all those who struggle with the realities of their lives and those who need our care.
Jesus did not teach his disciples to become competent and accomplished rather taught them to develop a heart like that of him, the heart of the good shepherd. A heart that cares and nurtures the lives of others.
I remember one of our professors who taught the art of teaching, gently reminding us: when you prepare for the class keep in mind not the studious ones, but those who are sitting on the last bench… Don Bosco is filling my mind…