I am born and Called to become a Saint

Gospel Thoughts

31st Week : Sunday

GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12

First Reading - Rev 7:2-4, 9-14

Second Reading 1 John 3:1-3

*All Saints : Solemnity*

*I am born and Called to become a Saint*

*1) There are more or less 11000 saints in the  list of Saints* 

The catholic church believes in the sainthood and it is one of the articles of Faith *The Communion of Saints*

In the official list the saints by the  church,  recognises almost 11000 saints who include martyrs, holy people, religious, lay people, youngsters, family people, parents, and those who lived for Christ. 

This great number shows that sainthood is a reality and it can be achieved by anyone who desires for it, with a discipled way of Life

*2) 1,44,000 people who were sealed - Revelation 7:3*

1,44, 000 is a huge number comprising of people from every tribe.

Further we read *there was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white*

So all those who are in the presence of the Lamb are saints and they are infinite in number

 

*3) There is a Call and there is a way shown to attain sainthood*

With Baptism we have been given a special call to the sainthood and there is a way which is kept open in front of us to attain this sainthood. 

Jesus makes it very simple this way of attaining sainthood, by showing various possible but challenging ways. 

These are called the beatitudes or 8 blessed ways, or  a divine ladder which helps a person to claim to the Heaven or to the sainthood. 

*4) The Eight beatitudes*

These 8 beatitudes are 8 different ways through which one can attain sainthood. 

Even if a person practices one beatitudes he will be eligible for the sainthood. 

Since all these beatitudes are interlinked and interconnected one can't practice one beatitudes and remain neutral to the other beatitudes. 

The logic of beatitudes is very simple. 1=8 and 8=1. If a person is able to practice one beatitudes he is practicing all 8 beatitudes. Because one can not practice only one and ignore the others. 

*5) What are these 8 beatitudes?*

*I) Poverty*

It speaks about the spirit of simplicity and simple way of living. Such a life always depends on God and inspires one to trust in God. 

Here poverty is not a dehumanizing condition or a state of life which makes a person to suffer terribly.  Such a condition is not proposed by the beatitudes. 

It simply means the spirit of humility, simplicity and total dependence on God.

*II) Mourning*

Literal meaning of mourning is the expression of Sorrow for some one's death

But here the mourning has a special meaning :  It is a sorrow, which produces repentance to change ones life. 

It is a mourning for doing bad, failing to live God and neighbour. Such sorrow and mourning helps a person to change his/her life

*III) Meek or Meekness*

Meekness is an attitude or a condition which helps a person to open himself to the will of God

Meekness is not a weakness rather it is a strong virtue. 

It is a necessary condition to understand God's Word. 

Meekness is about shrewdness and smartness in a world, where we don't often have the the choices those with power.

The best examples are Naomi and Ruth.

*IV) Hunger and thirst for Righteousness*

One who is hungry and thirsty can't keep quiet. They are the basic necessities of life. 

It is a hunger of the Man who is starving for food, and the thirst of the man who will die unless he drinks 

This type of hunger and thirst not for the material things but for the righteousness

Righteousness means *right doing* and *seeking all of God's spiritual blessings, favour, grace and mercy.

 *V) Mercy*

It is normally used to mean showing compassion, pity, sympathy, forgiveness, kindnesses, tender-heartedness, refraining from harming and punishing. 

Mercy means the ability to get inside the other persons skin until we can see things with his eyes, think with his mind, and feel things with his feelings - William Barclay

*VI) Purity of Heart*

The heart is central to this beatitude because in the Bible the heart stands for the seat, source, reservoir, instigator of our Thoughts attitude, desires, character and motivation

Purity of heart is a *Work in progress* in which both God and man share responsibility

*VII) Way of Peace*

In Hebrew peace always means everything which makes for a man's highest good

In the Bible peace means not only freedom from all troubles, it means enjoyment of all good. 

*Those who plan for peace have Joy Proverbs 12:20*

*VIII) Way of Persecution*

Persecution is a blessing in disguise designed to bring out the best of Christian Character 

It can make us to keep ourselves away from sin, because it shows the foolishness of the friendship of the World. 

Persecution which is characterised or for the sake righteousness is very important. 

*Persecution for the right doing* is a way to sainthood - Example Fr Stan Swamy

*6) Am I ready to accept God's plan*

First of all the invitation to sainthood. Realising this fact that I am called to sainthood is very important

Making efforts from our part also necessary. 

It is not a automatic thing which is gained by chance. Need to work for it with the collaboration of God

*Desire to appear your name in the list of thr saints One day in the future*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Claiming Higher position Vs Promotion to the Higher position by the Competent Master

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Saturday

GOSPEL Lk 14: 1, 7:11

First Reading - Phil 1:18b-26

Claiming Higher position Vs Promotion to the Higher position by the Competent Master

*1) Places of Honor Should be Given by a competent Master*

In the Gospel we find that some people were claiming the places of Honour by themselves. 

In fact they were not eligible for the places of Honour. They thought that they were eligible, but in reality they were not. That is why they were asked to leave the places of Honor 

One can not claim the place of Honour thinking that he/she is eligible. He/she must prove his/her eligibility and the competent authority should promote him/her

*2) Eligible person was promoted even without his request*

In the Gospel we see  that when master comes into the scene, he promotes the eligible person to the higher position even without his request 

So it is clear when one qualifies himself for the higher position, master himself gives that position without any request. 

*3) When Master gives a higher position it is genuine*

In the Gospel reading we see that master gives a higher position to his subject: *My friend, move up to a higher position*

Such a position is true and genuine and no one can question its credibility. 

One is free from the fear of losing this position, because it is given by the Master and not claimed by the subject. 

*4) Master gives the higher position by looking at his life and Values*

In the Gospel it is very clear that the reason of his promotion is Humility. 

Since he was able to humble himself, the Master promoted him to a higher position. 

A good and value based life will definitely helps us to have better promotion. 

*5) Will I be Promoted?*

By looking at my life will Jesus promote me to a higher level of Spirituality?

• Will I be promoted to the Mercy of the Lord, because of my genuine repentance
• Will I be promoted to the abundant blessings of the Lord, because of my generosity
• Will I be promoted to the higher position of Faith, because of my faithfulness to the doctrine? 
• Will I be promoted to the better level of mental peace, because of my adjustments? 
• Will I be promoted to the position of harmonious and peaceful life, because of I am able to forgive others 
• Will I be promoted to the fullness of grace because of my deep spirituality? 
• Will I be promoted to the higher level of holiness because of my sincerity and truthfulness? 
• Will I be promoted to better family life, because of my faithfulness? 
• Will I be promoted to have deep divine encounter because of my intense desire to the Lord? 
• Will I be promoted to be called faithful servant, because of my vigilance even at the 11th hour? 
• Will I be promoted to the eternal bliss, because of my fruitful life with kingdom values here in this earth?

*Think about this*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A Sabbath which hinders the Good deeds is not a Sabbath at all

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Friday

GOSPEL Lk 14:1-6

First Reading - Phil 1:1-11

*A Sabbath which hinders the Good deeds is not a Sabbath at all*

*1) Sabbath means praising God and Doing Good*

When we speak about Holiness, we are sure that in Holiness there can't be unholy things 

So also when we speak about Sabbath, it is quite reasonable that there should not be a things which goes against the Spirit of Sabbath

Basically Sabbath means praising God and Thanking God for his great wonders in our life. 

So it is also true that Sabbath means doing good and spreading the same goodness of the Lord in and around us. 

*2) The Sabbath Spirit of the Pharisees went against the true Spirit of Sabbath* 

The sabbath spirit of the Pharisees were only one sided. They saw only what they have to do as a law demanded them to do 

They saw only One side and forgot the other side. For them paying attention to the other side was going against the spirit of the Sabbath. In fact this was a wrong notion

*3) Sabbath is to Love God and also Love the Neighbour*

The first commandment of the Lord, that is the *Love Commandment* makes it very clear that both the sides are very important. 

There is love commandment which only speaks about the Love of God excluding the Love of the Neighbour. 

So also there is no only Love of the Neighbour without having any reference to the Love of God. 

*4) The Pharisees spirit of observing the Sabbath was only limited to the Love of God*

According to the Spirit of the Pharisees, they left out the neigbhour and paid attention only to God. 

Such a spirit of the sabbath makes sabbath incomplete or fruitless. 

Sabbath can't highlight only one aspect of the first commandment and leave the other one. So their concept totally went wrong. 

*5) Sabbath is Characterized by Good works* 

This is the real spirit. Sabbath should lead us to do something great and good. 

This something great and good is always directed towards the other, i.e. the neighbour. So real spirit of the sabbath should make us to move towards the neighbour to help him/ her in whatever way possible and whatever way the person is in need. 

*6) For doing good there is no time and place* 

Good can be done everywhere and at any time. Good can be done at any time and at any place and on any day. 

In fact when Jesus wanted to do good, he saw only the good that has to be done. Nothing else. That is the strategy of Jesus 

*7) Good is always directed towards another being*

If our good deeds do not have any reference to the *other* or another fellow human being, such kind of good is not at all a good. 

Good should always have a reference to others. 

In the Gospel the good is seen the act of curing a person by Jesus on the sabbath day. So the good is directed towards a needy person. 

*8) What about my Spirit of Sabbath?*

Do I follow the legalistic understanding of the spirit of the Sabbath? 

Is my sabbath spirit hindering me from becoming a genuine human person? 

Do I see in my sabbath two separate division between love of God and love of neighbour? 

Do I value the love of the neighbour on the sabbath day? 

How can I observe sabbath in a more genuine way? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus called Herod as a Fox?

 Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Thursday

GOSPEL Lk 13:31-35

First Reading - Eph 6:10-20

*Why Jesus called Herod as a Fox?*

*1) The real character of the Fox*

A Fox symbolizes mischief, opportunity, playfulness, agility, cleverness, wisdom, beauty, luck, curiosity, charm and physical and mental responsiveness. Aided by cunningness, it manifests its increased awareness in being able to see  deceptions.

fox is an unclean animal in the Israelite holiness codes. 

It is a kind of insult to Herod. This insult is because of the following issues 

A)  He build a grand new capital city named Tiberius, after the current emperer, only to discover that it was built on top of an old Jewish cemetery. No pious Jew ever entered it.

B) He divorced his wife to marry Herodius. She had been the wife of his half brother. It was not unheard of in those days to marry the ex-wife of one’s brother.

C) It was this Herod who killed John the Baptist for challenging him about his immoral ways.

D) He let his daughter dance in public, which was considered a shameful act. Moreover he got seduced by his own daughter.

No pious Jew would ever have let his daughter dance in front of strangers 

E) Herod Antipas was an unsavory and unscrupulous puppet ruler of the Romans

F)  Jesus  called him a fox rather than a lion, because He was a coward; he was cunning; he played with fire and with sin.

*2) With regard to Fox - no need of Fear*

Even though fox is a cunning animal and hypothetical in  its behavior no one gets frightened about the fox, because it can't attack human beings. 

By saying that Herod is a fox, it is clear that Jesus is not at all frightened about Herod. 

In fact Herod could do nothing to Jesus and he was unable to challenge Jesus at any time of His life. 

*3) As a fox Herod's plans were secret, but in Jesus' there is nothing secret*

No one knew what Herod would do next. There was always a suspense in his approach. This approach is very similar to that of Fox. Fox always keeps its plans in secret. 

But there wasn't any suspense in Jesus ministry. He was very clear when He wanted to communicate His message to Herod

*Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.*

*4) Never to imitate the life style of a Fox*

If some one calls us Fox, it is not a compliment. It is an insult to our personality

One who is called *Fox* has major problem with his behavior and attitude. So one needs to introspect ones own life if some one calls as *Fox*

*Is there some elements in my life which resembles the nature of the Fox?*

*Do I behave like a Fox in certain situations?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

To become great persons popularity is not needed

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Wednesday

GOSPEL Lk Lk 6:12-19

First Reading - Eph 2:19-22

Feast of Sts Simon and Jude - Apostles and Martyrs

*To become great persons popularity is not needed*

*1)  Unlike Peter, very little is known about St Simon*

Practically nothing is known for certain about the life of this Saint. 

Where he preached the Gospel, where he died, where he suffered martyrdom and even his tomb is unknown

Only the suffix *the Zealot* has been interpreted to mean either that as a lawyer, or he was a member of the party of zealous patriots who were preparing to throw off the rule of the Romans. 

*2) A little more is known about Jude Thaddeus*

He was brother of St James the Less, thus a cousin of our Lord.

He is the author of the last canonical epistle, which *contains strong doctrine in a few lines*

It is believed that he preached the faith mainly in Palestine, later in Persia and Armenia and suffered martyrdom there. 

Since there is a similarities between Judas Iscariot and Jude Thaddeus, he was rarely invoked in prayer.

Even then seeking his intercession was seen as a final resort when all else failed. 

In recent times his popularity is seen as the patron saint of Lost causes.

*3) One is Unknown Another one is little known - But both were Apostles and now saints*

Sainthood and Holiness does not depend on the popularity that one gains. 

Even without popularity one can be really saint. That is what we can gather from the life of St.Simon. 

Some people have wrong notion that the greatness if the person depends on the popularity the person has. But in fact that is not correct

*4) Like all other Apostles Simon has done great works*

There is no doubt that St Simon has done great things in the name of Jesus 

Definitely he has gone to different places to peach the Gospel and finally has died as a martyr. 

With his work, mission and commitment he is not less than any other apostles. 

But only the fact that, things are not known to the rest of the world about his life and mission. 

Ultimately what is important is that one remains committed to the mission of the Lord. That is what St Simon did. 

*5) Great works remains a great even without popularity*

This fact is very clear from the life of Sts Simon and Jude. 

Even without much popularity their work remains as great work in the sight of God. 

*6) Popularity is the Norm of the Day*

We are living in a situation where publicity and popularity is seen as the factors of a success story

If there is no publicity and popularity one feels that there is no use of doing any work 

We are in a situation where some times only publicity and popularity is found but no genuine work and commitment. 

Such a situation is very much increasing in our society today, which we need to be aware of.

*7) What about my life? 

What is the role of publicity and popularity in my life? Do I work for publicity and popularity? 

What is the level of my commitment to the mission even when others do not recognize my selfless mission and service? 

Do I feel that I am a unknown saint?

Will God qualify me to become a unknown saint for his grater glory? 

*Blessed are those who serve the Lord by serving his/her neighbour without any publicity and popularity, theirs is the happiness, peace, kingdom of God and finally the Eternal Life*

*Blessed are those who are not recognized for their service, for they will be recognized by God*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The greatness of the Trust and confidence of the person who planted the mustard seed

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Tuesday

GOSPEL Lk 13:18-21

First Reading - Eph 5:21-33

*The greatness of the Trust and confidence of the person who planted the mustard seed*

*1) Mustard seed is very small in size*

Generally people desire big things, great things, easy things and so on

In the context of the competition for big things, at times small things are forgotten. Some times small things are not given importance

At times there is also feeling that small things are useless, they can be ignored and they don't make much difference in any thing. 

Some times small things are taken very lightly thinking that they are not important and by paying attention to these nothing great will happen. 

*2) Paying attention to the Small things is the gesture of greatness*

In the race of paying attention to the great things, if some one talks about the importance of small things, surely has a different logic 

Unless one is able to think in a different way, small things will not make any difference in a perticular context 

*3) Great thing - Kingdom of God - is compared to a Small thing*

The reality of the Kingdom of God is beyond our imagination. Such a great reality is compared to the small thing - mustard seed. 

The logic of this comparison can be known by everyone and the reality of the Kingdom of God is understood very easily

The greatest reality is explained in a simplest way. That the beauty of this comparison. 

*4) Need great wisdom to explain such Logic*

The great things -Kingdom of God - is explained in a simplest way by giving the example of the mustard seed

Such an beautiful and convincing explanation needs a very deep wisdom, which can come only from God.

*5) Don't complicate things and life*

The parable of the mustard seed makes it very clear that, things are very simple. We should not complicate it in any way 

The explanation of the parable of the mustard seed can be understood even by simple man. So things are very simple. Don't complicate it 

Even we must be able to make our life very simple. We should never allow our life to be complicated

We should also not complicate others life. Live simple and make others life simple. Never to complicate any reality in life.

*6) Mustard seed tells us even the smallest things are very much needed and useful*

Nothing is insignificant in life. Everything has its own importance. We need to pay attention to this 

Like mustard seed evey simple Human being is also has great value. No one is useless 

*7) Mustard seed and Simple people*

Jesus used mustard seed to explain the kingdom of God. So mustard seed communicates the message of the Kingdom of God. 

Like mustard seed, it is through simple/small people that kingdom of God reveals and grows in this world. 

Like mustard seed, Mary, Joseph Shepards and others were very simple people, through whom the Kingdom of God came into reality 

There is a close connection between the mustard seed and these simple yet holy people

*8) Small things have great importance in the Kingdom of God*

Many times we see that Kingdom of God is compared to small things 

For example : yeast, seed, two copper coins, fish net, birds of the air, two little sparrows, lillies of the field, grass of the field, one glass of cold water

These above examples show the greatness of small things in our lives. 

*9) One who is faithful in small things, faithful in great things*

One can not reverse the above order. Things move from small to the great 

To remain faithful to small things needs special value based life. 

Unless one is convince of the important and the logic of small things one can't practice this logic 

*10) Paying attention and putting trust in small things needs special courage and foresight*

All will not agree with small things 

Many don't believe in small things 

So if a person believes in small things and keeps his/her faith on small things means has a great courage. This is the reflection of his/her greatness

*11) What about my Life?*

Is it simple or complicated? 

Can it be a example to explain the kingdom of God? 

Like mustard seed does it has the capacity to grow better and produce fruit or to provide shelter to some one? 

Does this mustard seed shows the importance of small things in my life,? 

Like mustard seed will Jesus use my life to explain what is the Kingdom of God to others? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Three Things which are very essential to practice the Commandment of Love

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Sunday

GOSPEL Matthew 22:34-40

First Reading - Ex 22:20-26

Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Three Things which are very essential to practice the Commandment of Love

*You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul,and with all your mind*

*1) Importance of the Question*

*Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?*

First of all we must appreciate the person who asked this question. 

Because people tend to ask many questions which pertain to worldly life and about possessing worldly things 

Amidst such an situation here is a person who focuses his attention to ask and clarify something on spiritual matter : greatest commandment of the Lord, how to practice this commandment, need and necessity of it

Something we must pay attention to this. Because such an question can change ones life and may help to live a holy life

*2) You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your Mind*

This aspect speaks about the importance of the Mind

Mind is a very important faculty of human being. It is necessary to think, understand, deepen the knowledge and to know the logic of the commandment

Unless we understand something we can't practice in our life. So the aspect of Mind is very important and necessary to practice the Love commandment

*3)You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart*

*The importance of the Heart*

Heart is the centre of love. Its a place where we feel for the others 

A heartless person will not feel anything for any situation. 

Heart is the centre of emotions from where we are moved to do something

To practice the first commandment, Heart is very much necessary. With out heart we can't practice the love commandment.

*4)You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your Soul/will*

*The third important thing : Soul or Will*

The aspect of soul/will makes a person  to do something at the practical level

The will/ Soul motivates or pushes the person to do something at the practical level. 

So the faculty of will/Soul is very much needed to do some at the practical level 

*5) Mind, Heart, Soul/Will are closely connected*

These three are not separate and independent faculties

There is no watertight division between these three faculties. 

If they function at independent level then there can't be complete action, but only an incomplete action 

So collaboration between these three things are very much necessary for the practice of the Love commandment

*6) My Life :Is there a perfect balance among these three faculties*

Where do I stand? 

Am I only at the Mind level. Many people get stuck with this level. What about me? 

*Some people move from mind to heart.* 

It is said *The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.”*—Andrew Bennett 

Have I remained at heart level, after moving from the mind? 

Still not enough. It only makes you to feel 

Only very few people move from, mind to heart and from heart to soul/will

Jesus is very particular in mentioning all these three faculties, so we can understand the need of it. 

So it is very important to move from mind to heart and from heart to the Soul? 

In which stage I am?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Devil does not allow us to stand straight and glorify God

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Monday

GOSPEL Lk 13:10-17

First Reading - Eph 4:32–5:8

*Devil does not allow us to stand straight and glorify God*

*She was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect*

*1) Standing Straight is a sign of independence and Liberty*

A person who is able to stand straight means he is independent and is able to feel the liberty in his life

Standing straight is also a sign of courage. A person who is courageous is able to stand straight 

Standing straight is also a sign of boldness. He is able to challenge and face anything in his life.

Standing straight also helps a person to have better vision of the reality and he is able to judge in a better way what is wrong and what right 

Standing straight is also gesture of encouragement to some one. If some one who is besides us is able to stand straight means we get a special encouragement from that person

*2) The person was bent over  Completely for 18 years*

The person who appears in the Gospel is bent over for 18 year and the reason given for this condition is the power of Satan 

It was not a simple bent that the person had, but a complete bent which made the person unable to stand 

Without standing straight one can't perform the normal duties of daily life. So it is a abnormal condition which makes the person to suffer 

Even the duration we need to take into account. Rather it was long period - 18 years. So we can also see the gravity of the problem. 

*3) Bending position reduces the Human being into animal*

Usually in completely bent position we see the animals and other creatures. 

It is a position which exactly suits the life of animals

In other words Satan practically reduces the Human being into an animal. 

Animals do not exercise reason, morality and they are equal to slaves 

So under the influence of Satan one loses the reason and lives like a salve. 

 

*4) Sin is equal to Satan*

In our context it is the Sin which plays the role of Satan 

The Satan which made the person to completely to bend and to suffer, the sin in our life makes us to bend completely and suffer terribly in our life. 

We are not able to stand straight to our moral life, spiritual life and other areas of life, which are necessary to live a good and holy life. 

*5) The cure of Jesus made the person to stand straight*

The Gospel is very clear that after Jesus casts out the Satan from the person, she is able to stand straight. 

So it is very clear that the Satan was controlling the person 

It is also clear that only Jesus can help us in this struggle of getting liberty from the Satan and stand straight 

*6) Praising God - is the first gesture of the liberated person*

When the person is able to stand straight, because of Jesus, the first gesture of the person was praising God. 

Since she was free from the influence of Satan she was able to praise God.

It is also clear as long as we are under the influence of Satan/sin we are unable to stand straight and praise God. 

*7) God makes us to stand straight but Satan makes us to bend completely*

This is very clear from the life of that woman 

As long as Satan was there she could not stand straight. But Jesus made her to stand straight

Standing straight is a symbol of liberty, freedom, courage, and confidence. God makes us to exercise these great qualities in our life. 

Satan makes us to bend, which is a sign of slavery, humiliation, fear, suffering, and desperation. Ultimately Satan/Sin leads us to these. So we need to be careful

*8) Am I able to stand straight or completely bent or little bent?*

What is my position. Am I able to stand straight or bent completely? 

We need to think this seriously in our lives. We need to stand straight with the Lord

*9) The possible Satan which makes us to bend little of full*

For some money makes to bend completely

For others power and position makes to bend completely and the are under the slavery of this 

Still Others bend their life completely to pleasures of the world, worldly things, money, wealth, jealousy, division, revenge, name, hypocrisy, duplicity, falsehood, injustice, cheating, stealing, gossip, misguiding others, selfish interests and so on 

If so which Satan is controlling me to bend completely in my life. 

Am I able to stand straight or I simply allow myself to bend completely and surrender to these evil things

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The variety of Fertilizer given to us to bear the Fruit

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Saturday

GOSPEL Luke 13:1-9

First Reading - Eph 4:7-16

The variety of Fertilizer given to us to bear the Fruit

*1) Our life is like a fig tree*

The person who planted the fig tree with a purpose - to bear abundant fruit. 

The tree was not planted without any purpose. So if it fails to bear fruit it will be cut down 

God has sent us to this world with a purpose. That is to live a holy life, to love Him, to serve Him and to attain eternal life. That is the fruit that we need to get from our life.

*2) The tree was given one more chance*

Even though the tree failed to bear fruit, still the gardener gave one more chance to the tree. 

This chance also comes with all possibilities to bear abundant fruit

The Gardner gave all the possible fertilizers and proper amount of water and created an atmosphere which would be very conducive to bear fruit

So the chance comes with all the possible things where the tree has to produce the fruit, and there is no excuse for the tree, not to bear the fruit.

In spite of all these possibilities if the tree still fails to bear the fruit, it will be cut down. It has no right to exist, because it will be a burden to the fertile mud. 

Our life is similar to this fig tree, where we get one more chance, with all the possibilities to bear fruit. If we fail, then we lose everything.

*3) Christian life gives variety and rich amount of fertilizers*

Christian life primarily gives us so many varieties of fertilizers to  grow and to bear fruit. The following are some of the rich fertilizers which we get

*A) The fertilizer of Baptism*

This is one of the best fertilizer which we get at the early stage to grow and to have healthy spiritual life. This becomes a foundation for our all round development and a kind of vaccine to protect ourselves and to have a healthy growth

*B) The fertilizer of Reconciliation*

The sacrament of reconciliation is a great fertilizer to boost our spiritual life. This sacrament gives us forgiveness, God's mercy and grace in order to live a new life and to produce abundant fruit. 

*C) The fertilizer of confirmation*

Once again to receive all the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit 

This sacrament gives us the special fertilizer to grow and to become strong in our faith life

*D) The fertilizer of Eucharist*

This one of the sacraments which we can receive every day. 

We can imagine the amount of spirtual energy, strength and grace (fertilizer) we receive which we can very well made use of the produce much fruit. 

Tremendous spiritual energy we can get through these sacraments

*E) The Fertilizer of the Word of God*

Today we can read and meditate the Word of God in our own mother tongues. 

The amount of energy, and the spiritual inspiration and motivation that we receive from the Word of God can help us to produce much fruit if we use it in a proper sense.

*F) The Fertilizer of Sacramental  Adoration*

One of ways to feel the presence of power of Jesus in our day to day life. 

We also receive tremendous spiritual energy (fertilizer) to make our life fruitful

*G) The Fertilizer of Retreat, Prayer, Devotinal Singing*

These above mentioned things can make us to produce abundant fruit in our day to day life. 

*4) Tremendous amount of Spiritual Fertilizers we receive*

From the moment we begin our life the amount of spiritual fertilizers, which we receive through the sacraments and other things, unimaginable.

What happens to this spiritual fertilizers in my life? 

Does my life use them to yield abundant fruit or not? 

Do I realise that these spiritual fertilizers are the special gifts from the Lord to produce much fruit in life? 

*5) Fertilizers have a special strengths to produce fruit*

Fertilizers have a special capacity to make the soil fruitful and make the tree to produce much fruit

Secondly fertilizers have the capacity to produce quick results. That is the nature of the fertilizers. 

If so how does the spiritual fertilizers work in my life? 

Do I or My life allows them to produce fruit or not? 

*Better to reflect this deep and relevant thought for my life*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Am I able to interpret my own life?

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Friday

GOSPEL Luke 12:54-59

First Reading - Eph 4:1-6

Am I able to interpret my own life?

*1) Our competence to interpret the Sky and the Earth*

In the Gospel of today Jesus tells us that we are endowed with the special powers to interpret the sky and the Earth

When there a cloud we are able to say that it will rain, and it happens

When there is a wind we are able to predict the weather of the day

So such is the capacity and intelligence of the human beings and God has given this intelligence to all.

*2) Capacity to interpret the signs of the time*

*Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?*

This is the question which was asked by Jesus in Today's Gospel? What answer shall we have? Are we competent to interpret the present time?

With all our technology and intelligence we have not been able to find out the mystery of Covid19. Am I able to interpret this sign? 

With all our power, money, wealth and security, today we have become more insecure and anxious. What does this sign tell us?

Present day situation does not permit us to have normal human relationships. What does this sign tell us? 

Likewise there are many signs of the present time, which we need to interpret in order to live a normal and holy life. 

*3) Interpreting ones own life is the need of the hour*

*Know Thyself* These are the  famous words of Socrates. 

Knowing of oneself means I am able to interpret myself. But the question is Am I able to interpret myself? 

While interpreting my own life, try to list out what are my strengths and what are my weaknesses

How many positive things I can speak about myself. Are these positive things seen by others? Do others approve what I say positive about myself? 

What are my weaknesses? 

Have I tried to interpret my anger? 

Have I tried to interpret my laziness and lethargy?

Have I tried to interpret my jealousy and spreading gossip? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude of taking revenge? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude of taking things lightly and without any seriousness? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude to spreading too much wealth on unnecessary things? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude of selfishness, pride, arrogance, greed, and others things that happen in my life? 

*4) Without interpretation  things are not clear*

Interpretation is necessary to know a particular thing. 

Unless we know a particular thing we are unable to make any assessment about the same. 

Unless we make an analysis we can't take any further step to make any progress.

So interpretation ultimately is very much necessary for our growth and to grow in holiness

*5) We need to take efforts to interpret our life*

Interpretation of ones own life is not easy. This is one of the most difficult tasks. 

To interpret ones own life the following things are very much necessary

An open mind to accept what others say about my life

Humility to accept the interpretation of my life given by the others 

Courage to challenge oneself to facilitate the aspect of interpretation of my life 

A desire to grow in holiness based on the kingdom values. 

To have a regular evaluation of the self through the examination of the conscience, to interpret ones life.

*Am I ready to interpret my life?*

 *Am I ready to use my skills and  talents to analyse myself and to interpret my own life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

A Earth Set on Fire

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Thursday

GOSPEL Luke 12:49-53

First Reading - Eph 3:14-21

*A Earth Set on Fire*

*I have come to set the earth on fire*

*1) Setting Fire appears to be Negative, But in this context it is very positive*

When we hear that some one has set fire for something, immediately we think about destruction, loss and end of something

But setting fire and fire itself has a positive meaning in the biblical language and context. 

In the context when Jesus speaks, it is very clear that *setting fire has* a very deep positive meaning and not negative meaning

*2) Burning fire makes us very alert*

The moment we see fire we become alert. We carefully deal with fire. We can't play with fire. 

So fire makes us very alert and quick to act in a perticular situation. No one sleeps peacefully when there is burning fire near by

*3) Fire has the quality of burning*

Anything that you throw into the burning fire, it simply burns. It turns into ashes. 

Usually we collect all unwanted things from our living surroundings and we set fire to it

So this fire will destroy all unwanted things 

This fire will clean the entire surroundings

Fire will give new look to a perticular place.

*4) Fire has the quality to transform something*

Anything you put, the fire transforms into ashes

Fire has the great quality of transforming something

*5) Fire gives us light*

Without light we can't survive. Wherever there is fire there is light. Fire and light go together. 

To avoid the accidents, casualties, problems we need light, specially in the night. Moreover spiritual light is more important than anything in life. 

*6) Fire gives us heat*

No being can survive without heat. If there is no heat means, the person or animal is already dead. 

So the fire in the body means, life in the body. In this sense *Fire* is equal to *Life*

Fire is one of the Five Basic elements (Air, water, fire, Earth and Aether) which is very necessary for the universe

*7) The Speciality of Jesus' Fire*

The fire set by Jesus will make us alert, active, creative, vigilant and cautious. 

The fire set by Jesus will help us to burn many things like, sins, jealousy pride, arrogance, intolerance and all bad habits 

The fire set by Jesus will make to transform our life and make our life better 

The fire set by Jesus will help us get sufficient light, to move in a right direction to live a holy life 

The fire set by Jesus will give us warmth of Gods love and forgiveness. 

So this is the speciality of Jesus fire or setting fire by Jesus

*8) The various types of fire set by Jesus*

The fire of forgiveness

The fire of Love

The fire of simplicity

The fire of Truth 

The fire of courage

The fire of justice

The fire of faithfulness

The fire of sacrifice

The fire of humility

The fire of integrity

The fire of sincerity

The fire of sharing 

The fire of service 

The fire of concern

The fire of obedience

The fire of the Cross

The fire of salvation

The fire of Mercy 

*9) Setting fire in my Life*

Am I ready to set these fires first of all in my life and the in my family

Do I believe that these fires will bring any change in me and in others 

What is my contribution to set fire 

Am I ready to set fire or am I frightened to set fire? 

*What is my position in setting fire?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Thief does not inform and Come : One who informs is not a Thief

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Wednesday

GOSPEL Luke 12:39-48

First Reading - Eph 3:2-12

Thief does not inform and come : One who informs is not a thief

*1) There is no History that a thief informs and comes*

The nature of the thief is such, no information is available about his/her activity. All the activities are kept in suspense.

There is no incident in the History where the thief goes after giving all the information about his/her theft before the activity takes place. 

Nothing is sure about the thief. Whether the thief is coming or not is itself in suspense

*2) When the owner knows about thief's coming, then it is not a theft but it is a war or fight against the thief*

When the owner knows about the coming of thief then the owner prepares himself and gets ready for the action 

Such an readiness can be concluded as his readiness to fight against the thief. 

In such situation the theft does not take place, instead of theft a fight takes place between the two. 

This is very important to note. 

*3) The Coming of the Son of Man*

There is a basic difference between the thief coming and the Son of Man Coming

When we think about thief, the Gospel does not say that by all means the thief will come. His coming is not sure. 

But when it comes to the Son of Man it is clear that the Son of Man will definitely come. *for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come*

So coming of the Son of Man is sure. Only when He will come is not clear

*4) The Son of Man's coming is definite*

Since the Son of Man will surely come, it presupposes that we need to prepare for His arrival. So there is no suspense in His coming. The suspense is only about *WHEN*

This should make us to prepare ourselves to receive the Son of Man

*5) Thief comes to steal and destroy But Son of Man not*

The work of the thief is very clear. Thief comes to steal and to destroy. 

Whereas the Son of Man comes not to destroy and steal but to save us, to give a new life to us. 

*6) With thief there is fear - With Son of Man there should be no fear*

Since the thief comes to steal and to destroy we need to be careful. 

Stealing and destruction creates a kind of fear and anxiety. 

But with Son of Man one need not fear. Because He comes to save us and to give new life to us. 

*7) Preparedness is the only thing that is necessary in our life*

With regard to Son of Man everything is clear

His coming is clear 

His coning is for saving us is also clear 

His coming will ensure us new life, that is also sure

Only one thing which is not sure is *When He is coming*

For this reason we need to be alert and prepare ourselves at all time 

So ultimately only preparation and preparedness counts. 

*Have I really prepared myself to meet the Son of God*

*8) Ways for preparing oneself for the arrival of the Son of Man*

Prayer 

Celebration of the sacraments

Reading of the Word of God 

Practicing the Kingdom values like, forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, gratitude, generosity, accepting ones weakness, sincerity, etc 

*Am I ready?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Knock on the Door, in order to be opened

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Tuesday

GOSPEL Luke 12:35-38

First Reading - Eph 2:12-22

Knock on the Door, in order to be opened

1) Jesus knocking on the door : image

We might have seen the image of Jesus knocking at door and waiting for it to be opened. There are few lessons from this image which we can learn 

Jesus knocks and waits for it to be opened. He does not force one to open it

Since the lock of the door is inside, only from inside the door can be opened 

Only if the person is found inside at the time of knock, the door can be opened. Otherwise door remains closed

Even after opening the door the person inside has to welcome the person who is outside. Or else person can not get in easily.

2) The Master knocking at the door

In the Gospel we have a episode where the Master comes and knocks the door. 

Since it is the master who comes and knocks the door, the servant has to open the door. So there is no other option for the servant. 

Since the servant has been given the charge of opening the door when the master comes, there is no excuse for the servant to remain absent from the the duty. By all means he has to be ready for duty. 

3) It is the Masters House

The servant was working in Masters house. It is not the servants house 

Since it is the Masters house the servant has no right to keep the door closed when the Master comes. 

If it is the house of a servant, then the case is different. 

4) Master has the access to his house

No one can deprive the privilege of going inside by  the master

The Master has all the rights  to go inside and to remain there as long as he wants. 

5) The servant is a worker in the Masters House

So the servant can't act or behave as if he is the owner 

Neither he can close the close for the master 

Even a slightest mistake in opening the door when master comes can have serious consequences. So he has be vigilant all the time. 

6) We are all like servants in the Masters house

Since we are all the workers in the masters house we need to work sincerely. 

We can't act as if the house is ours and do whatever we wish

7) Our heart is Masters (Jesus') House

Since our heart is the Masters house, he has access to it all the time. 

When Jesus wishes to come to this house we need to open it promptly. One can not delay in opening the door of the heart 

Unless we open the door Jesus can't enter. Unless Jesus enters our heart, heart remains empty. 

8) Our life is like a House of the Master given to us

This life is the house of the Master. This house has been given to us to take care of it. 

The primary duty in this house is to open the doors of our life when the Lord comes. So that the Lord can enter this house. 

The House (life) becomes beautiful with the presence of the Master. Or else it remains empty. 

9) The body is the door. The Spirit is the House

We are made up of body and spirit. 

Our soul - House is closed with the door of body. 

We need to open this door so that master can enter his house (Soul). Am I ready to open the door of my life. 

10) The danger of keeping the door closed

Many people have forgotten that they have a door, which has been locked from inside, that needs to be opened by them when the master comes

Unless we open the door from inside the Lord can't enter 

If we don't enter, the master will not come inside. 

If there is no entry to the Master, that is the end of the story of ones house. 

11) Open the doors of your life

Forgiveness is an act of opening the door of your life 

Humility is another way of opening the door 

Truth, Justice, Service, concern, lovely relationship, peace, prayer, sacrifice, Charity, are the various ways through which we open the doors of our life, for the Master to get into our life. 

Am I ready to open the doors of my life?

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

Fr Maxim Dsouza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore

What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Monday

GOSPEL Lk 12:13-21

First Reading - Eph 2:1-10

What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?

1) What Shall I do?

This is one of the important questions of our life. 

Many times in life we ask this question in various situations. 

Specially when we have crisis, challenges, when we are confused and when we fail in our strategies and plans.

2) The rich fool also asked this question

He asked this question when he had plenty of crops

First of all asking this question, *What shall I do with my crops* is very intelligible question. 

This question helps a person to arrange or to plan out the harvest which he got from his field. 

3) Rich fools strange plan

The plan became strange because

First of all he demolished his existing godowns. Instead of demolishing he should have built new ones. So waste of resources and energy

Secondly he store all the harvest in the barns. It is not easy to keep it in storage a huge amount of harvest since it may spoil or it may be eaten by ants or  worms. 

Thirdly he felt that he is the most luckiest person to get the crop and to store it for future.

Fourthly he felt in the future no other work than eating and enjoying life. So need not worry about anything. 

4) Evaluation of his plan by God

*First of all God considers him as great fool* and not a man of intelligence or wisdom. This is because of his foolish planning 

*Secondly God considered him as poorest of the poor person*

In spite of having lot of harvest he becomes very poor in Gods sight because, he had nothing to give to others. 

One who has something to give to others is a rich person. But this fool had nothing to give. 

*Thirdly he lacked common sense and practical knowledge*

This is because he considered with harvest he can live for ever. 

But in reality the harvest does not even give the guarantee to live one more day in our life. *You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you*. This is the reality. 

*Fourthly His life was limited only to wordly things*

Eat, drink and make merry for many years

Nothing else is found in his life. Life only limited to worldly things

5) Why He is addressed as Fool?

First of all for his foolish planning 

Secondly, he never realised of sharing of his crop with others 

Thirdly he never saw the hand of God in getting bumper crop 

Fourthly he not even thought of sharing with those who toiled in his farm to produce the fruit 

Fifthly he thought only about the self. Others were not existing for him 

Sixthly life consists  only in eating drinking and making merry. His security of life was the things. Nothing else

So he is really a fool 

6) What shall I do?

What shall I do with my energy? 

What shall I do with my talents 

What shall I do with my intelligence and knowledge?

What shall I so with my extraordinary leadership qualities?

What shall I do with my courage?

What shall I do with my wealth, property, money and costly things?

What shall I do with my power, position, authority, and influence?

What shall I do with my bodily passions and temptations? 

What shall I do with my responsibility and duties 

What shall I do with my family and children? 

*Will I decide or plan as the rich fool did?*

Or 

Will I plan in such a way where I will become a *good and faithful servant* and also rich and great in the sight of God??

Think about it.

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

Fr Maxim Dsouza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore