Journey Without a Staff, Bag, Bread, Money and Extra Tunic

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fifth Week:  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Luke 9:1-6*

*First Reading : Proverbs 30:5-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : 119: 29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163*

*Journey Without a Staff, Bag, Bread, Money and Extra Tunic*

*1) No Staff — Do not depend on your own strength*

A staff was useful for walking, protection and support.

Jesus seems to say: “Your mission cannot depend only on what you carry in your hand.”

The staff can represent our own strength, experience, influence and security.

“I know how to handle this.”

“I have enough experience.”

“I have contacts.”

“I can manage everything.”

Jesus sends the disciples without their usual support.

Sometimes God deliberately takes away our “staff” so that we discover that God Himself is our support.

The missionary may walk without a staff because he knows who walks with him.

*2) No Bag — Do not carry unnecessary burdens*

A bag carries things we think we may need.

Spiritually, our bags can become very heavy:

past failures,

resentments,

unnecessary possessions,

fear about tomorrow,

desire for recognition,

excessive planning,

“What will people say?”

Jesus says: Travel light. A person carrying too much cannot move freely.

Mission requires freedom. The more attached we become to possessions, reputation and comfort, the more difficult it becomes to move where God sends us.

A heavy bag can become a heavy heart.

*3) No Bread — Learn to receive*

Bread represents basic nourishment and daily needs.

Jesus is not saying that bread is bad. He is teaching the disciples: “You are not self-sufficient.”

The missionary must sometimes become a receiver as well as a giver.

This is very important. A priest, religious, teacher, social worker or pastoral worker may spend much of life giving—giving time, advice, prayer, money, energy and service.

But mission also requires the humility to receive hospitality, kindness and help from others.

Sometimes we want to be so independent that we never allow another person to help us.

The Gospel worker must know not only how to give bread, but also how to receive bread with gratitude.

*4) No Money — Mission is not a business*

Money provides security.

Jesus sends the disciples without it because the mission should not begin with the question: “What will I get?” but with:“What can I give?”

This does not mean that the Church does not need financial resources. Churches, schools, hospitals and charitable institutions obviously require money to function.

The deeper lesson is that money must remain a means, not become the foundation of mission.

When money becomes the measure of success, the Gospel can slowly become secondary.

Money can support mission, but money cannot become the reason for mission.

*5) No Extra Tunic — Be satisfied with enough*

The extra tunic represents excess. One tunic is enough for the journey.

This challenges today's culture of: “One is not enough; I need one more.”

One phone → another phone.

One dress → another dress.

One vehicle → another vehicle.

One house → another house.

One position → another position.

Jesus teaches the disciples the spirituality of “enough.”

The question is not: “How much can I carry?” but: “How little do I need in order to serve freely?”

*6) Why Did Jesus Ask for Such Simplicity?*

*A) To teach dependence on God* : The disciples cannot say: “We succeeded because we had enough resources.” They must learn: “We succeeded because God sent us.”

*B) To make them dependent on relationships* : If they have no food, money or extra clothing, they must receive hospitality. Therefore, mission becomes relational. They cannot simply enter a village, complete a task and leave. They must meet people, trust people, listen to people and live among people. This is important for today's pastoral ministry.

*C) To prevent mission from becoming comfortable* : Comfort is not sinful. But excessive comfort can weaken missionary urgency. Jesus does not send them as tourists. He sends them as missionaries. A missionary carries the Gospel more than luggage.

*D) To teach urgency* : The disciples have been sent. There is work to do. They should not spend too much time preparing themselves for every possible difficulty. Sometimes our preparation becomes a substitute for mission. We keep saying: “When I have enough money…” “When I have better facilities…” “When I have more people…” “When everything is ready…” Jesus says, in effect: “Go.”

*F) To make God's providence visible* : If the disciples arrive with everything they need, people may never discover their responsibility to participate. But when the disciples accept hospitality, the people themselves become part of the mission. The missionary brings the Gospel; the community provides hospitality; God provides the fruit. 

*7) How Practical Is This Today?*

We should not interpret Luke 9:1–6 as a literal rule that every missionary must own no money, no bag or no extra clothing.

The principle is more important than the physical objects.

Today a missionary may need: a mobile phone, transportation,   medicine, money, documents, books, clothes, technology, accommodation.

These things are not automatically contrary to the Gospel.

The question is: Do I possess these things, or do these things possess me?That is the contemporary challenge.

*For priests and pastoral workers* : A priest can ask: “How much of what I carry is really necessary for my mission?” 

Not only in a suitcase, but also in the heart: Do I carry unnecessary ego? Do I carry old conflicts? Do I carry the need to be appreciated? Do I carry fear of criticism? Do I carry excessive attachment to comfort? Do I carry the desire for control?

*For families* : The Gospel challenges consumerism. Children can learn: “We don't need everything we want.” There is a difference between need and want.

*For young people* : The message is particularly relevant in a world of constant upgrading. Jesus asks: “Can you be happy with enough?” Freedom is not having everything. Freedom is not needing everything.

Jesus did not send the Twelve empty because He wanted them to suffer. He sent them light because He wanted them to depend on God, trust people and concentrate on the mission.

“The less they carried in their hands, the more they had to carry in their hearts: faith, trust, courage and the Gospel.”

“Jesus did not ask them to carry nothing; He asked them to carry what matters.”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mother and Brothers Outside — Mother and Brothers Inside

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fifth Week:  Tuesday*

*Gospel :  Luke 8:19-21*

*First Reading : Proverbs 21:1-6; 10-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : 119: 1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44*

*Mother and Brothers Outside — Mother and Brothers Inside*

*1) The Contrast*

Luke says: “His mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. Your Mother and your Brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you”

Then Jesus says: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

*2) “Outside” does not mean “unloved”*

Mary and the relatives are physically outside the crowd. Jesus does not say they are spiritually outside.

This is important : Physical distance is not always spiritual distance. Physical closeness is not always spiritual closeness.

A person may sit very close to Jesus in church and still be far from His Word. Another person may be physically far away but live faithfully according to His Word.

The real question is not, “How close am I to the church?” The deeper question is, “How close is my life to the Word of God?”

*3) The “outside” people can become “inside” people*

Jesus gives the way to move from outside to inside: “Hear the Word of God and do it.”

The door into Jesus' family is not locked. It is opened by hearing and doing.

A person who listens to God's Word but does not act remains at the level of the crowd.

A person who hears and puts it into practice becomes part of Jesus' family.

Hearing → Accepting → Doing → Belonging

*4) Jesus changes the meaning of “family”*

Normally, family is determined by blood relationship.

Jesus introduces a deeper family: Family according to the flesh → Family according to faith

The question becomes:

Do you hear what Jesus says?

Do you forgive because He asks you to forgive?

Do you love because He asks you to love?

Do you serve because He asks you to serve?

Do you remain faithful when it is difficult?

This is the family resemblance Jesus wants.

The members of Jesus' family are recognized not by their surname, but by their obedience to God's Word.

*5) Mary herself is the perfect example*

There is a beautiful irony here.

Mary is physically outside the house, but she is spiritually one of the closest people to Jesus. Why?

Because Mary had already lived the principle Jesus describes: “Let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Mary did not merely hear God's Word. She accepted it and lived it.

Therefore, when Jesus says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it,” Mary is actually one of the greatest examples of what He means.

Mary is not excluded by Jesus' words; she is confirmed by them.

*6) There are two kinds of “outside”*

We can be outside in place, or outside in heart.

Someone may be: Outside the church but inside God's will.

And someone may be: Inside the church but outside God's will.

This is a challenging examination of conscience.

Coming to Mass is important.

Receiving the sacraments is important.

Being active in parish life is important.

But Jesus asks something deeper: “What are you doing with the Word you hear?”

*7) The crowd can become a barrier*

There is another interesting detail: “They could not reach him because of the crowd.”

The crowd was physically preventing Jesus' family from reaching Him.

This can become a powerful symbol for our lives.

What are the crowds that prevent us from coming closer to Jesus?

Too much busyness

Mobile phones

Social media

Entertainment

Money

Anxiety

Anger

Ego

Unforgiveness

Worldly priorities

Sometimes Jesus is near, but our crowd is too large.

The greatest obstacle between us and Jesus may not be distance; it may be the crowd we carry within us.

*8) “Hearing” alone is not enough*

Luke deliberately uses two actions: 

Hear + Do. 

Not merely: Hear + Discuss

Not: Hear + Admire

Not: Hear + Preach

But: Hear + Do.

We can hear hundreds of Gospel passages and still remain unchanged.

A person can know the Bible very well but fail to forgive.

A person can speak beautifully about charity but ignore a person in need.

A person can preach humility but seek praise.

A person can speak about prayer but never pray.

Jesus moves us from information to transformation.

*9) The Gospel creates a new family*

The Church is not simply a gathering of people who occupy the same building.

It is a family formed around the Word of God.

Therefore, when we come to Mass, we are not merely attending a programme.

We are coming as brothers and sisters around Jesus.

The person sitting beside me may belong to a different family, language, caste, age group, profession or background—but through Christ, we become one family.

Blood creates one kind of family. The Gospel creates another.

*10) Application to Life*

Every day God gives us opportunities to hear His Word.

Someone hurts us → “Forgive.”

Someone needs help → “Serve.”

Someone insults us → “Do not repay evil with evil.”

Someone is lonely → “Reach out.”

We are tempted → “Choose what is right.”

Someone needs encouragement → “Speak a word of life.”

The moment we obey the Word, we move from being merely listeners of Jesus to becoming members of His family.

“The distance from Jesus is not measured in metres; it is measured by our response to His Word.”

“Jesus does not ask, ‘Who is sitting near Me?’ He asks, ‘Who is living My Word?’”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

*1) The Contrast*

Luke says: “His mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. Your Mother and your Brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you”

Then Jesus says: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

*2) “Outside” does not mean “unloved”*

Mary and the relatives are physically outside the crowd. Jesus does not say they are spiritually outside.

This is important : Physical distance is not always spiritual distance. Physical closeness is not always spiritual closeness.

A person may sit very close to Jesus in church and still be far from His Word. Another person may be physically far away but live faithfully according to His Word.

The real question is not, “How close am I to the church?” The deeper question is, “How close is my life to the Word of God?”

*3) The “outside” people can become “inside” people*

Jesus gives the way to move from outside to inside: “Hear the Word of God and do it.”

The door into Jesus' family is not locked. It is opened by hearing and doing.

A person who listens to God's Word but does not act remains at the level of the crowd.

A person who hears and puts it into practice becomes part of Jesus' family.

Hearing → Accepting → Doing → Belonging

*4) Jesus changes the meaning of “family”*

Normally, family is determined by blood relationship.

Jesus introduces a deeper family: Family according to the flesh → Family according to faith

The question becomes:

Do you hear what Jesus says?

Do you forgive because He asks you to forgive?

Do you love because He asks you to love?

Do you serve because He asks you to serve?

Do you remain faithful when it is difficult?

This is the family resemblance Jesus wants.

The members of Jesus' family are recognized not by their surname, but by their obedience to God's Word.

*5) Mary herself is the perfect example*

There is a beautiful irony here.

Mary is physically outside the house, but she is spiritually one of the closest people to Jesus. Why?

Because Mary had already lived the principle Jesus describes: “Let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Mary did not merely hear God's Word. She accepted it and lived it.

Therefore, when Jesus says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it,” Mary is actually one of the greatest examples of what He means.

Mary is not excluded by Jesus' words; she is confirmed by them.

*6) There are two kinds of “outside”*

We can be outside in place, or outside in heart.

Someone may be: Outside the church but inside God's will.

And someone may be: Inside the church but outside God's will.

This is a challenging examination of conscience.

Coming to Mass is important.

Receiving the sacraments is important.

Being active in parish life is important.

But Jesus asks something deeper: “What are you doing with the Word you hear?”

*7) The crowd can become a barrier*

There is another interesting detail: “They could not reach him because of the crowd.”

The crowd was physically preventing Jesus' family from reaching Him.

This can become a powerful symbol for our lives.

What are the crowds that prevent us from coming closer to Jesus?

Too much busyness

Mobile phones

Social media

Entertainment

Money

Anxiety

Anger

Ego

Unforgiveness

Worldly priorities

Sometimes Jesus is near, but our crowd is too large.

The greatest obstacle between us and Jesus may not be distance; it may be the crowd we carry within us.

*8) “Hearing” alone is not enough*

Luke deliberately uses two actions: 

Hear + Do. 

Not merely: Hear + Discuss

Not: Hear + Admire

Not: Hear + Preach

But: Hear + Do.

We can hear hundreds of Gospel passages and still remain unchanged.

A person can know the Bible very well but fail to forgive.

A person can speak beautifully about charity but ignore a person in need.

A person can preach humility but seek praise.

A person can speak about prayer but never pray.

Jesus moves us from information to transformation.

*9) The Gospel creates a new family*

The Church is not simply a gathering of people who occupy the same building.

It is a family formed around the Word of God.

Therefore, when we come to Mass, we are not merely attending a programme.

We are coming as brothers and sisters around Jesus.

The person sitting beside me may belong to a different family, language, caste, age group, profession or background—but through Christ, we become one family.

Blood creates one kind of family. The Gospel creates another.

*10) Application to Life*

Every day God gives us opportunities to hear His Word.

Someone hurts us → “Forgive.”

Someone needs help → “Serve.”

Someone insults us → “Do not repay evil with evil.”

Someone is lonely → “Reach out.”

We are tempted → “Choose what is right.”

Someone needs encouragement → “Speak a word of life.”

The moment we obey the Word, we move from being merely listeners of Jesus to becoming members of His family.

“The distance from Jesus is not measured in metres; it is measured by our response to His Word.”

“Jesus does not ask, ‘Who is sitting near Me?’ He asks, ‘Who is living My Word?’”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Mathews Chair and the Table at Tax booth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fifth Week:  Monday*

*Gospel :  Mt 9:9-13*

*First Reading : Ephesians 4: 1-7; 11-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : 19: 2-5*

*Mathews Chair and the Table at Tax booth*

*1) The Chair – “I am settled here”*

Matthew was sitting at the tax booth. Sitting can symbolize being settled.

He had a position, an income and a routine. He knew what he was doing every day.

Then Jesus said: “Follow me.”

Jesus did not say, “Continue sitting there and follow me from your chair.” Matthew had to get up.

Sometimes Jesus calls us while we are comfortably seated in our familiar places. We may be seated in our habits, comfort zones, prejudices, possessions, positions or past failures.

The first step of discipleship is sometimes simply: GET UP.

*2) The Table – “I have built my life around this”*

The tax booth can also be imagined as a table of accounts—money coming in, money going out, calculations, profits and collections. Matthew's life was organized around numbers.

But Jesus offered him something that could not be calculated in money: a new purpose.

Matthew moved from: 

calculating money → discovering meaning

collecting taxes → collecting people for God's Kingdom

serving an empire → serving Christ

This is a beautiful transformation.

*3) What did Matthew leave behind?*

The striking words are: “And he rose and followed him.” (Mt 9:9)

Matthew did not first ask: 

“What will I earn?”

“Where will I stay?”

“What position will I get?”

“What will happen to my business?”

He rose and followed.

The Gospel does not give us a long explanation of his resignation. Matthew's response is presented very simply.

That simplicity itself is powerful. Jesus called. Matthew got up. Matthew followed.

*4) Why was this possible for Matthew?*

Because Jesus saw something in Matthew that others probably did not see.

Others may have seen: “Tax collector.” Jesus saw: “Disciple.”

Others may have seen Matthew's past. Jesus saw his future.

Others may have seen a person sitting at a tax booth. Jesus saw a person who could one day sit with Jesus and announce the Gospel.

This is one of the great mysteries of vocation: Jesus does not call us because our past is perfect. He calls us because His grace can transform our future.

*5) Matthew did not need to become perfect before getting up*

Jesus did not say: “Matthew, first change your life completely; then I will call you.”

Jesus called him while he was sitting at the tax booth.

The call came first. The transformation followed.

Sometimes we think: “When I become better, I will come to Jesus.”

The Gospel reverses this: “Come to Jesus, and He will begin changing you.”

*6) Leaving the chair means leaving our comfort zone*

Matthew's chair can represent: comfort, security, routine, attachment, fear of change, a familiar lifestyle, the identity we have created for ourselves

Jesus' call can disturb our comfortable chair.

A chair gives us a place to sit. A vocation gives us a reason to stand.

This can be applied to family life, priesthood, religious life, parish ministry, professional life and ordinary Christian discipleship.

*7) Leaving the table means changing what we value*

Matthew's table could symbolize the things around which we organize our lives.

For one person it may be money. For another, status. For another, power. For another, comfort. For another, reputation. For another, even personal convenience.

Jesus asks: “What is sitting at the centre of your table?”

If everything on our table revolves around ourselves, there is little room for Christ.

*8) Matthew exchanged one table for another*

There is an interesting continuation in Matthew's story.

After leaving the tax booth, Matthew later hosts Jesus at a meal in his house (Mt 9:10).

So Matthew moves from one kind of table to another:

Tax table → Fellowship table 

Table of collection → Table of communion

Table where he was separated from people → Table where people gathered around Jesus

This is a beautiful image of conversion. Jesus does not merely take Matthew away from something.

Jesus takes him towards something greater.

*9) The greatest thing Matthew left was not the chair—it was his old identity*

Matthew did not merely leave a workplace. He left the identity that had defined him.

He was no longer simply: “Matthew the tax collector.”

He became: “Matthew the disciple of Jesus.”

And eventually, according to Christian tradition, he became an Evangelist.

So we can ask ourselves: “What name has my past given me, and what new identity is Jesus giving me?”

People may remember our mistakes. Jesus remembers our vocation.

*10) “Don't die sitting”*

A chair is useful for sitting—but not for remaining there when Jesus calls us.

Sometimes we are not sinful because we are doing something terribly wrong.

We are simply sitting too long.

Sitting in:

“I have always been like this.”

“I cannot change.”

“This is my nature.”

“Others will never accept me.”

“I am too old.”

“I have already failed.”

“Let someone else do it.”

Matthew teaches us: You may be sitting in your past, but Jesus is calling you into your future.

*11) The chair and the cross*

There is also a beautiful contrast:

Matthew's chair says: “Sit.” Jesus' call says: “Rise.”

The Christian journey says: “Follow.” The Cross says: “Carry.”

Christian discipleship is a movement: SIT → RISE → FOLLOW → CARRY → SERVE

Matthew left the chair before he knew the destination.

He left the table before he knew the next meal.

He left his old identity before he knew the greatness of his new identity.

Sometimes Jesus is not asking us to find a better chair.

He is asking us to get out of the chair.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Five Wonders of Creation — Five Gifts We Cannot Create

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Care for Creation Sunday or Laudato Si' Sunday*

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fifth Week:  Sunday*

*Gospel :  Mt 6:24-34*

*First Reading : Wisdom 13:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : 19, 2-5*

*Second Reading Colossians 1:15-20*

*Five Wonders of Creation — Five Gifts We Cannot Create*

*1) EARTH – THE WONDER THAT TURNS DECAY INTO LIFE* 🌍

Look at the soil beneath our feet.

We put a dead leaf into the soil, and slowly it disappears. But the story does not end there. What looks like decay becomes nourishment. The soil receives what is dead and helps produce new life.

A seed falls into the earth. It looks insignificant. But from that little seed comes a plant, a flower, a tree and food.

Earth teaches us a great lesson: “What we think is the end can become the beginning of new life.”

But when we cover the earth with plastic, poison it with chemicals and destroy forests, we interfere with this wonderful gift.

We do not own the earth absolutely. We are guests and caretakers.

*2) WATER – THE WONDER THAT CAN GIVE LIFE AND DESTROY LIFE* 💧

Water is strange.

A little water gives life.

Enough water nourishes the earth.

But too much water can cause floods and destruction.

The same water can produce rice in a field and, in another situation, destroy the same field.

Water reminds us that a gift becomes dangerous when we misuse it.

We often turn on the tap and allow water to flow unnecessarily. We forget that somewhere another person may be walking a long distance for drinking water.

Water is not merely something we consume; it is a gift we must conserve.

Every drop carries a question: “Am I using God's gift or wasting God's gift?”

*3) FIRE – THE WONDER THAT CAN CREATE AND DESTROY* 🔥

Fire can cook our food.

Fire can give warmth.

Fire can produce energy.

But the same fire can burn a house, a forest or an entire ecosystem.

Therefore, fire teaches us: “Creation is powerful, but human misuse can turn power into destruction.”

We have discovered enormous ways of using energy. But the question is not simply:

“How much energy can we produce?”

The deeper question is: “How responsibly do we use the energy God has given us?”

A small flame can give light.

A careless flame can destroy a forest.

Creation needs wisdom, not merely power.

*4) AIR – THE WONDER WE RECEIVE WITHOUT PAYING* 🌬️

We pay for many things:

Food — we pay.

Water — we pay.

Electricity — we pay.

Fuel — we pay.

But when was the last time we paid for the air we breathe?

We breathe without thinking.

Inhale — gift.

Exhale — gift.

Inhale — life.

Exhale — life.

We cannot say: “I have enough money; therefore I can live without air.”

Rich and poor, educated and uneducated, powerful and powerless — everyone depends on the same air.

But when air becomes polluted, everyone suffers.

Air teaches us a beautiful lesson: “The most valuable things in life are often the things we receive freely.”

*5) SKY – THE WONDER THAT SURROUNDS OUR LIFE* ☁️

Look at the sky.

We cannot manufacture it.

We cannot purchase it.

We cannot put it in a container.

We cannot create another sky for ourselves.

The sky reminds us that human beings are not the centre of everything.

We are part of something much greater.

The stars, clouds, rain, sunlight and changing seasons remind us that creation has a beauty and order that is beyond our ability to manufacture.

Wisdom 13 says that when people look at the beauty and power of creation, they should move beyond the creation and recognize the Creator.

*6) WISDOM 13: THE CREATION IS NOT GOD, BUT IT POINTS TO GOD*

The author of Wisdom looks at the beauty of nature and asks: How can people see creation and fail to recognize the Creator?

The danger is that we can make two opposite mistakes: Mistake 1: Worship creation instead of the Creator. Mistake 2: Exploit creation as though it belongs entirely to us.

Christian faith teaches something different: 

We admire creation, but we worship the Creator.

We use creation, but we do not abuse it.

We enjoy creation, but we also protect it.

*7) COLOSSIANS 1: CHRIST IS AT THE CENTRE OF CREATION*

St Paul gives us an even deeper vision: “All things have been created through him and for him.”

Christ is not outside creation. Creation has its origin in Christ and its purpose in Christ.

Therefore, when we damage creation, we are not simply damaging “things.” We are failing to respect God's work.

The Christian question is therefore not: “What can I take from nature?” but: “What can I do to protect what God has entrusted to me?”

*8) MATTHEW 6: “LOOK AT THE BIRDS… CONSIDER THE LILIES”*

The Gospel becomes very practical.

Jesus says: “Look at the birds of the air.” And: “Consider the lilies of the field.”

Jesus teaches us to look at creation. Why? Because creation is also a teacher.

The birds teach us trust.

The flowers teach us beauty.

The earth teaches us patience.

Water teaches us generosity.

The seasons teach us change.

But there is another important point.

Jesus does not say: “Destroy the birds.” He says: “Look at the birds.”

He does not say: “Ignore the flowers.” He says: “Consider the lilies.”

Before we can care for creation, we must learn to see creation.

*9) A STRIKING CONCLUSION: “WE CAN CREATE MANY THINGS — BUT NOT CREATION ITSELF”*

Human beings can make: Cars. Buildings. Computers. Artificial intelligence. Satellites. Machines.

But we cannot manufacture:

one handful of living earth,

one drop of living water,

one breath of life,

one natural forest,

one genuine sky.

We can process what God has already created.

We can transform what God has given.

But we cannot create creation from nothing.

That should make us humble.

Therefore: 

Earth is not merely property.

Water is not merely a commodity.

Fire is not merely energy.

Air is not merely atmosphere.

Sky is not merely scenery.

They are gifts of the Creator.

*10) THE FIVE WONDERS AND FIVE QUESTIONS*

Earth - Food and new life - Am I protecting the soil?

Water - Life and nourishment - Am I wasting water?

Fire/Energy - Heat and power - Am I using energy responsibly?

Air - Breath and life - Am I contributing to clean air?

Sky - Light, rain and space for life - Am I respecting the atmosphere and climate?

“WE DID NOT CREATE THE FIVE WONDERS OF NATURE; WE ONLY RECEIVED THEM. THEREFORE, LET US NOT BE OWNERS OF CREATION, BUT RESPONSIBLE STEWARDS OF GOD'S CREATION.”

“We did not create the Earth, but we depend on it. We did not create water, but we cannot live without it. We did not create fire, air or sky, but our life depends on them. Therefore, creation is not our possession; it is God’s gift entrusted to us.”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Devil on the Footpath

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fourth Week:  Saturday*

*Gospel :  Luke 8:4-15*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:35-37; 42-49*

*Responsorial Psalm : 56: 10-14*

*Devil on the Footpath*

*1) Why Does Jesus Mention the Devil Only at the Footpath?*

The seed on the footpath is exposed. The farmer throws the seed. It lands on the hard path. It cannot enter the soil. Therefore, the birds can easily pick it up.

Jesus explains: “The devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts.” (Lk 8:12)

The important point is not that the devil has no role in other temptations. Rather, Jesus specifically identifies the devil as the one who removes the Word before it takes root.

The devil does not always need to destroy our faith. Sometimes he only needs to prevent the Word from entering.

He doesn't necessarily have to make us hate the Bible.

He can simply make us ignore it.

He can make us hear the Gospel and immediately move on.

He can make us say:

“That is for someone else.”

“I already know this.”

“I will think about it later.”

“I don't have time.”

“The homily was good, but…”

The seed never reaches the heart.

*2) Why Does the Devil Concentrate on the Footpath?*

Because the footpath is the easiest place to steal the seed.

A seed buried in the soil is difficult to remove.

A seed lying on the surface is easy to take.

What remains only on the surface can easily be stolen. What enters deeply becomes difficult to remove.

A Gospel heard only with the ears can disappear.

A Gospel received by the heart can change a life.

A Gospel practiced becomes a habit.

A Gospel lived becomes a witness.

*3) How Does the Footpath Develop in Our Life?*

The footpath is not necessarily created in one day. A path becomes hard because people repeatedly walk over it.

Spiritually, our hearts can also become hard through repeated patterns.

For example: One compromise → another compromise → another compromise → eventually the heart becomes a footpath.

The Word says: “Forgive.” We say, “Not this person.”

The Word says: “Pray.” We say, “I am too busy.”

The Word says: “Love your enemy.” We say, “He doesn't deserve it.”

The Word says: “Do not judge.” We say, “But I know what kind of person he is.”

Every time we deliberately walk over the Word, the heart becomes harder.

*4) The Other Three Levels of Problems*

*A). Rocky Ground — The Problem of Shallowness*

Here the Word is received, but there is no depth.

Jesus says they believe for a while, but when testing comes, they fall away.

This is the faith of: “I like Jesus when everything is fine.”

But when suffering comes: “Where is God?”

The problem here is not rejection. It is lack of roots.

A faith that has no roots cannot survive a storm.

*B) Thorny Ground — The Problem of Competition*

The Word enters, but other things grow alongside it.

Jesus names: worries, riches, pleasures of life.

The Word is not rejected. It is crowded.

This may be one of the most common problems today.

We don't say: “I don't want God.” We simply say: “I am busy.”

Busy with: money, career, entertainment, social media, possessions, anxiety, success, comfort.

The Word remains inside us, but it cannot breathe.

The devil does not always have to remove the Word; sometimes the world simply gives us too many things to think about.

*C) Good Soil — The Problem Is No Longer the Seed*

Notice something beautiful:

The seed is the same.

The farmer is the same.

The Word is the same.

What changes is the soil.

Therefore, the question is not: “Is God's Word powerful?”

The question is: “What kind of soil is my heart today?”

*5) ow Can We Be Careful About the Footpath?*

We must protect the first moment after hearing God's Word. That is the vulnerable moment.

Suppose today's Gospel gives you one particular message.

Immediately afterward, ask: “What is God asking me to do with this Word?” Then do one small thing.

For example: Word: “Forgive.” → Make one phone call.

Word: “Pray.” → Spend five minutes in prayer.

Word: “Help the poor.” → Help one person.

Word: “Do not judge.” → Stop one negative conversation.

Word: “Love.” → Perform one act of kindness.

The moment the Word is acted upon, the seed begins to enter the soil.

*6) A Powerful Image: Footpath vs Garden*

A footpath is a place where people walk over the ground.

A garden is a place where things are allowed to grow.

So we can ask: Is my heart a footpath where God's Word is walked over, or a garden where God's Word is allowed to grow?

That could become the central theme of the reflection.

*7) “The Devil Attacks the Word Before the Word Attacks Him”*

The devil knows the power of the seed. 

He knows that: Word → Faith → Conversion → Action → Fruit → Witness

Therefore, the easiest strategy is: Stop the seed before it starts growing.

If the Word never enters the heart, there is no need to fight the fruit.

This is why distraction immediately after hearing God's Word can be spiritually significant.

We hear the Gospel. Then immediately:  Phone, Conversation, News, Worries, Entertainment, Rushing to the next activity

And the seed disappears.

*8) Three Questions for Daily Examination*

After every Gospel reading, we could ask:

Did I hear the Word? Or was I physically present but mentally somewhere else?

Did I receive the Word? Or did I immediately explain why it applies to somebody else?

Did I practise the Word? Or did I leave the church with a beautiful thought but no change?

This moves us from: Hearing → Receiving → Practicing → Bearing fruit.

*9) Points to Ponder*

The devil cannot stop the farmer from sowing, but he tries to stop the seed from entering the soil.

The greatest danger is not always rejecting God's Word; sometimes it is allowing God's Word to remain only on the surface.

A hard heart is like a footpath: many things have passed over it, but nothing is allowed to grow in it.

The devil likes a superficial Christian because superficial faith has no roots.

The seed is not weak; the soil is the problem. God's Word has power, but the heart must give it space.

The footpath represents the Word that is heard but never entered, remembered but never practised, admired but never obeyed.

A single Gospel sentence can change a life—if we don't allow it to be stolen before it reaches the heart.

Don't ask only, “What did today's Gospel say?” Ask, “What will I do because today's Gospel spoke to me?”

The rocky heart says, “I believe when life is easy.” The thorny heart says, “I believe, but I have too many other priorities.” The footpath heart says, “I heard it, but I will not let it enter.” The good heart says, “I heard, I received, I persevered, and I produced fruit.”

“The devil may try to steal the seed from the footpath, but we can prevent him by opening the soil of our hearts. Let today's Gospel not remain on our ears; let it enter our hearts, take root in our lives, and become fruit for others.”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Joanna: The Faithful Disciple from enemy's house

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fourth Week:  Friday*

*Gospel :  Luke 8:1-3*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:12-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : 17: 1, 6-8, 15*

*Joanna: The Faithful Disciple from enemy's house*

*1) Who was Joanna?*

Joanna was a woman connected with the household of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. Her husband Chuza appears to have been an important official or administrator in Herod's household.

Luke does not tell us exactly how Joanna met Jesus or when she became his follower. We should therefore distinguish what the Gospel says from what we might imagine.

What Luke clearly tells us is remarkable: A woman from the household of Herod became a disciple of Jesus and supported his ministry.

There is also an interesting connection with Luke 24:10. Joanna is named among the women who reported the empty tomb to the apostles. Thus, the woman who belonged to Herod's household became one of the witnesses to Jesus' Resurrection.

*2) The Hostility of Herod with Jesus*

Herod Antipas had imprisoned and executed John the Baptist (Luke 3:19–20; 9:9). Later, when Herod heard about Jesus, he was curious and wanted to see Him (Luke 9:7–9). During Jesus' Passion, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, and Herod treated Jesus with contempt and mocked Him (Luke 23:7–11).

But there is an important distinction: Herod's hostility did not mean that every person in his household was hostile to Jesus.

Joanna had her own freedom, conscience and response to Jesus.

Herod's palace could contain someone who believed in Jesus.

That itself is a powerful Gospel message.

*3) How could Joanna become a follower of Jesus?*

We don't know the precise circumstances, but Luke's presentation allows us to see something beautiful.

Jesus' message could reach people even inside the household of His apparent enemy.

Perhaps Joanna heard Jesus' preaching.

Perhaps she witnessed one of His miracles.

Perhaps she heard from others about Jesus.

Perhaps her encounter with Jesus changed her heart.

But Luke deliberately tells us something else: Joanna did not merely admire Jesus; she supported His mission “out of her resources.”

Her discipleship became practical. She used what she had to serve the One whom her social environment might have considered a threat.

*4) How did Jesus accept someone connected with Herod?*

This is perhaps the most striking point.

Jesus did not say: “You belong to Herod's household, so you cannot belong to me.”

Jesus looked at the person, not merely at the person's association.

This is an important Gospel principle: Jesus does not judge a person only by the group, family, workplace or system to which that person belongs. 

Joanna's connection was with Herod's household. Her loyalty was to Jesus.

There is a difference. A person can work in a difficult environment without becoming identical with everything that environment represents.

*5) Jesus did not allow fear to determine His mission*

Jesus knew the danger surrounding Him. He knew about Herod. He knew what happened to John the Baptist. Yet Jesus continued His mission.And He allowed people from different backgrounds to come to Him.

This gives us a powerful reflection: The Gospel is not afraid to enter places where the Gospel is needed.

Jesus' disciples were not meant to remain only among people who already agreed with them.

The Good News entered:

fishermen's homes,

tax collectors' homes,

Pharisees' homes,

sinners' homes,

rich people's homes,

poor people's homes,

and even the household connected with Herod.

*6) “The enemy's house can produce a disciple”*

We normally think:  Herod's house → enemy of Jesus → therefore everyone connected with Herod must be against Jesus.

But Luke surprises us: Herod's household → Joanna → disciple of Jesus → supporter of Jesus' mission → witness of the Resurrection.

Never assume that there is no disciple inside the “wrong house.”

Sometimes God has already planted a seed where we least expect it.

*7) Joanna teaches us: Your workplace does not have to determine your faith*

Joanna lived and worked within an environment connected with political power.

But she did not allow her surroundings to determine her relationship with God.

This is very relevant today : A Christian may work in: a government office, a corporate company, a political institution, a hospital, a school, a business, a factory,  a secular organization, or an environment where faith is not shared.

The question is not: “Where do I work?”

The deeper question is: “Who am I within that place?”

Joanna teaches: You can be inside a system without allowing the system to take Christ out of you.

*8) Don't label people because of their associations*

This is perhaps one of the strongest present-day applications.

We often say:

“He belongs to that group.”

“She works for those people.”

“His family supports them.”

“Therefore, he must be like them.”

Joanna challenges this way of thinking. Association is not always identity.

A person may belong to a family, institution, company or social circle without agreeing with everything associated with it.

Therefore: Do not close the door of discipleship because of someone's background.

Jesus saw Joanna as a person capable of becoming a disciple.

*9) Joanna also teaches courage*

There could have been a personal risk in identifying herself with Jesus.

She belonged to the household of Herod.

Yet she became one of the women associated with Jesus' ministry.

And eventually Luke names her among the women connected with the Resurrection announcement.

Her faith was not merely private.

She moved from the palace to the path of Jesus.

That is a beautiful contrast.

Herod had power, but Joanna chose discipleship.

Herod had a palace, but Joanna found the Kingdom.

Herod's household had political influence, but Joanna used her resources for the Gospel.

*10)  Jesus turns resources into mission*

Luke says Joanna and the other women: “provided for them out of their resources.”

This is important. Joanna did not leave everything behind in the same way as the Twelve necessarily did. Instead, she used what she had. 

This gives us another practical reflection: Discipleship is not only about what we leave behind; it is also about what we place at Jesus' service.

Your: money, home, education, profession, influence, skills, time, relationships,  position, can become instruments of the Gospel.

*11) “God can plant disciples in unexpected places”*

We sometimes think:

“There is no faith in that family.”

“There is no faith in that workplace.”

“There is no faith among those people.”

“Nobody there will accept Jesus.”

Joanna tells us: Do not decide in advance where God can or cannot work.

The Gospel can enter places we have already written off. A seed can grow in unexpected soil.

*12) Points to Ponder*

Herod's household did not become Joanna's spiritual prison.

The Gospel can cross palace walls.

Herod was close to Jesus geographically but far from Him spiritually; Joanna was close to Herod's household but close to Jesus spiritually.

Sometimes the person we least expect becomes the person who carries the Gospel.

Belonging to a powerful household does not guarantee faith, and belonging to a difficult environment does not prevent faith.

“You may be living in Herod's house, but Herod does not have to live in your heart.”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Value of Tears and The alabaster ointment

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Fourth Week:  Thursday*

*Gospel :  Luke 7:36-50*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : 118: 1-2, 15, 17, 28*

*The Value of Tears and The alabaster ointment*

*1) The Cost of Alabaster Ointment vs. the Cost of Tears*

In Luke 7:36–50, the woman brings alabaster ointment, but Jesus notices something even more precious: her tears.

The ointment could be purchased with money. Her tears could not be purchased anywhere.

Ointment came from her possession; tears came from her heart.

The ointment filled the house with fragrance, but her tears revealed the fragrance of her repentance.

*2) he Ointment Had a Price; Tears Had a Sacrifice*

We can calculate the cost of perfume. We cannot calculate the cost of genuine repentance.

A person can give ₹1,000, ₹10,000, or even ₹1 lakh as an offering. But sometimes the most costly offering is:

saying “I am sorry” to someone we hurt;

forgiving someone who wounded us;

admitting “I was wrong”;

giving up our pride;

changing a sinful habit;

returning to God after going far away.

Money can buy ointment; only a surrendered heart can produce tears.

*3) Her Tears Were More Valuable Than Her Perfume*

The woman does not simply bring perfume to Jesus. She brings herself.

Her tears say: “Lord, I have nothing to hide from You.”

Simon sees a sinful woman. Jesus sees a repentant woman.

Simon sees her past. Jesus sees her faith.

Simon calculates her worth. Jesus recognizes her love.

That is a powerful lesson: God does not look only at what we bring in our hands; He looks at what we bring in our hearts.

*4) Tears Became Her Prayer*

She apparently says very little, but her tears speak loudly.

Sometimes we do not know what to say to God. We cannot find the right words. Tears themselves can become a prayer.

There are tears of: repentance, gratitude, pain, forgiveness, love, longing for God.

Her tears became a language between her heart and Jesus.

*5) The Fragrance of Ointment vs. the Fragrance of Repentance*

The ointment created a physical fragrance that disappeared after some time.

Her love created a spiritual fragrance that has remained in the Gospel for centuries.

This gives us a memorable thought: The perfume filled the room for a moment; her repentance filled the Gospel for generations.

What we possess may be forgotten. What we offer from the heart can become a lasting witness.

*6) What Is the “Alabaster Ointment” in Our Life?*

Our alabaster ointment can be anything valuable that we offer God: money, time, talent, service, prayer, possessions, achievements.

All these are good. But Jesus asks for something deeper: “Give Me your heart.”

A person may put a large offering into the collection box but refuse to forgive a small debt. Another may have very little money but offer God a heart full of love.

The Gospel challenges us: What is the value of my gift if my heart is not given with it?

*7) The Costliest Tears Are the Tears That Change Us*

It is easy to cry for a moment and return to the same life.

The woman's tears were not merely emotional tears. They became the beginning of a changed life.

Therefore, genuine repentance has a cost: Tears → Forgiveness → Conversion → New Life.

The tears are meaningful when they lead us to change.

*8) The “Cost of Tears” in Family Life*

This can be applied very powerfully to families.

Sometimes the most expensive words in a family are: “I am sorry.”

A husband may spend money buying a beautiful gift for his wife, but the greater gift may be humble repentance.

A wife may prepare an expensive celebration, but the greater offering may be forgiveness.

A parent may provide everything materially for a child, but sometimes the child needs the tears, time, attention and love of the parent.

The greatest gifts in a family are not always bought; they are given from the heart.

*9)  Tears Can Wash What Money Cannot*

Money can wash a car.

Money can clean a house.

Money can purchase perfume.

 

But money cannot wash away: guilt, hatred, resentment, pride, broken relationships.

Only repentance, forgiveness and God's mercy can wash these things away.

The woman washed Jesus' feet with her tears. In a spiritual sense, her tears revealed that her own heart was being washed by God's mercy.

“The ointment was expensive, but her tears were priceless.”

“She broke the alabaster jar, but God was breaking the hardness of her heart.”

“God is not asking us only to bring our alabaster jar to the altar. He is asking us to bring the tears, wounds, failures and repentance of our heart.”

The alabaster ointment had a price, but the tears had no price. The ointment cost money; the tears cost her heart.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*