Blessed are Your Eyes - When they really become blessed?

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 1st Tuesday

GOSPEL Lk 10:21-24

First Reading - Is 11:1-10

*Blessed are Your Eyes - When they really become blessed?*

*1) Eyes are the wonderful Creation of God*

Eyes are one of the great wonders of God in the human body

No one can fix the value of the eyes, because they are beyond price.

Once the eyes are lost no power on earth can restore the eyes and eye sight, even though to some extent the modern technology can repair the eye sight. 

*2) Eye sight can be at two levels*

*First level is the physical sight*

This  sight helps us to see the things as they are 

*Second level is - Spiritual sight.*

This sight is very much necessary to see the real meaning of the things and realities we encounter in our day today life. 

Both these sights are very necessary in order to live a genuine life. 

*3) When our eyes and eye sight become Blessed?*

Jesus says *Blessed are the eyes that see what you see* 

If so what exactly Jesus is telling in these words? 

We can explain this phrase in different levels 

*A) Eyes become blessed when they see God*

The Apostles and the disciples saw God in and though Jesus. One who sees God, encounters God, experiences God is really blessed  and his/eye sight becomes blessed

*B) Blessed are the eyes, which see the various kingdom values* life sincerity, humility, and concern for others 

*C)/ Blessed are the eyes which see the opportunities* to forgive others and ask pardon from the others 

D) Blessed are the eyes which sees the aspect of Humility and generosity

E) Blessed are the eyes,  which see the pain and sufferings of others and help them I some way

F) Blessed are the eyes which see the presence of Jesus in another human being

G) Blessed are the eyes which recognizes the great love of the parents and look after them when they are old 

H) Blessed are the eyes which see what is good and what is bad 

Blessed are the eyes which see the beauty of the nature and praise God for the same 

G) Blessed are the eyes which see the image and likeness of God in another human being

*So there are 101 good things to see in and around us and to praise God*

*Will my eyes become blessed?*

*What can I do to gain blessed eye sight?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why the Fishermen had to leave their nets

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 1st Week :  Monday

GOSPEL Mt 4:18-22

First Reading - Rom 10:9-18

Feast of St Andrew

*Why the Fishermen had to leave their nets*

*1) They Left their boats and Nets*

When Jesus called these first disciples, Peter and Andrew, John and James, they left their boats and nets and followed Jesus

Why did they leave these things? 

Was it necessary to leave these things?

Is there any other or deeper meaning for this gesture of the disciples? 

*2) First of all Net collects everything*

Usually net is used to collect the Fish from the sea. 

It collects everything when it is cast out into the sea

It is the nature of the net to Collect everything rather than giving everything. 

There is net which leaves out or gives to others when it is cast out into the deep sea. 

*3) Christian Spirituality does not consists in acquiring but in giving* 

Net collects everything, it does not give or leave out anything. 

Collecting everything is the symbol of excess desire for greed, selfishness and self centeredness. So the nature of net does not go along with Christian spirituality. 

Christian spirituality does not consisting in collecting and amassing the wealth and things. It consists in giving and in generosity

*4) Net is an instrument to trap the Fish*

Net is like a trap which is used to catch the fish. 

The fish is simply trapped into the net. 

Leaving out the net by the disciples is the symbol that the disciples not to use any of the things which work as a trap. 

The moment something is used as a trap we put other person into difficulty. So we need to give up those things which work as a trap 

*5) Net is the Symbol of Death and not the symbol of Life*

Any fish which is trapped into the net, finally  dies. 

Death is the final destiny of the net. 

So with such kind of net, a disciple can not work and should work. 

*6) Net is deceptive / not visible*

When the net is cast out into the sea, it can not be seen. It is invisible

So the net works as a deceptive instrument, which finally deceives the fish and fish is in the trouble. 

A follower of Christ, can not carry the net, which works as a deceptive or invisible instrument

*7) Which are the things working as net in my life? 

Net collects, deceives, traps, and  takes away life. So also there are many things in life which work as the above mentioned things. Some of them may be following

Pride, Power, Money, Wordly Pleasures, arrogance, revenge, falsehood, cheating, selfish motives, and so on

Do these things work as a net in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Liturgical Year Starts with a Wonderful Note : Be watchful! Be alert

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 1st Sunday

GOSPEL Mk 13:33-37

First Reading - Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7

Second Reading - 1 Cor 1:3-9,

*Liturgical Year Starts with a Wonderful Note : Be watchful! Be alert*

*1) Be Watchful and Be alert - These phrases are Important for Life*

In a way life revolves around these phrases 

Many times in our day today life we use these phrases and those who pay attention to these phrases will see a great change in their lives 

One who ignores these phrases will have to pay the consequences which at times too costly.  

*2) These phrases have special significance, when we begin something new* 

We have lots of new things to begin in our lives. For example, academics, taking risks for greater service and development, family life, religious life and so on 

When we begin, something new, as mentioned above, many people give us advice with these above phrases. Be careful, be alert in what you do and what u begin 

*3) New year is a New Beginning* 

Today we begin new liturgical year. So something new we begin today. 

When we begin this new liturgical year, these phrases have deep significance in our life 

We are asked to become watchful and alert. 

*4) About what we need to be watchful and Alert?* 

*A) Be alert about your new decisions*

Usually when we begin new year we take some decision with the intension of becoming good. So be careful about your decisions. Unless we are watchful and alert about our decisions, we will not be able to keep them up and make any progress in our lives 

*B) Be watchful and alert about Worldly attractions* 

Unless one is watchful about this one will be slave of worldly attractions and pleasures 

*C) Be watchful and alert about the Devil and its snares* 

Devil is active, watchful and alert all the times. If we are not alert then devil will take the control of our life. 

*Be watchful and Alert about your spiritual life* 

There are 101 forces which always work together to destroy your spiritual life

*E) Be watchful and alert about the 7 deadly devils* 

Seven deadly devils/sins are pride, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and wrath. 

*F) Be watchful alert about your family/Religious life*

So that the family life may not destroyed or one may be able to remain faithful to  religious life in order to serve Christ

*F) Be watchful and alert about Your 5 Senses*

They are most dangerous if they are not kept in control

*G) Be watchful and alert about ones bad habits*

If one is careless about these things one will destroy ones life

*H) Be watchful and alert about your mobile and other social media*

Be aware of the dangers of the social media and mobile

*I) Be watchful and Alert about your Thoughts, Words and deeds* 

*J) Be watchful and alert about the Gossip*

One who gossips is a terrorist. Terrorist destroy everything. One who gossips also destroys everything

*5) Need to start from the beginning of the Year and not towards the end of the year*

These words *Be watchful and Alert* which appear in the beginning of the year, with a great measure. 

If we begin now, we will make some growth. If nothing will take place. 

Since change comes slowly, we need to begin in the beginning itself 

*6) Be watchful and be Alert to receive Jesus or Master* 

No one knows when the master comes. Anytime he can come. 

The watchman's work is to remain alert and to open the door at the masters return 

*7) Be watchful and be alert to observe what happens to your life?*

Unless one is watchful and alert, things will take place without our knowledge and life will be in danger

*Will you remain watchful and  alert?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Danger of Heart becoming Drowsy

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Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Saturday

GOSPEL Lk 21:34-36

First Reading - Rev 22:1-7

*The Danger of Heart becoming Drowsy*

*1) The State of drowsy  is dangerous*

Drowsy is a state of half sleep or lethargic or Sleepy state.

When a person is in the state of half sleep he/she does not know what he is doing or what is happening to him 

So this state becomes very dangerous. The best example would be road accidents that take place due to the state of drowsy and the fatalities which involves in it. 

*2) The danger of heart becoming Drowsy*

The Gospel of the day speaks about heart becoming drowsy. 

When the heart becomes drowsy it does not realise what it feels and what happens to the person

Since heart is the centre of persons emotional life, if heart becomes drowsy we can imagine the damage that will take place in the emotional life of the person. 

So Jesus is warning about the danger of heart becoming drowsy 

*3) The Various causes of heart becoming drowsy* 

*A) Carousing*

Carousing means the activity of drinking alcohol and enjoying oneself with others in a noisy, lively way.

This makes the person makes to feel a great happiness, but it is a wrong way of feeling happy by himself. So it makes a persons heart to feel drowsy

*B) Drunkenness*

This is a kind of addiction and it makes a person slave to all kinds of bad habit and gives a false type pleasure. 

Person who is the slave of the drinks can not be trusted. Because he is not in control of Himself 

Drunkenness makes a persons heart drowsy and takes away from the real and genuine feelings. 

*C) Anxieties of Life*

Anxiety is one of the deadliest  poisons which slowly kills the Human beings. 

A person who is anxious about many things is not able to concentrate on anything. So his heart and mind not in a position to function in a proper way. So it is equal to becoming drowsy. So it is dangerous. 

*4) Why heart should not be drowsy and it should be alert* 

When the heart is alert the person is able to feel what is happening to the person 

He is able to feel what is good and what is bad and able to act accordingly

When the heart is alert the aspects of Love, care, concern, service, belongingness becomes very effective and person is able function in a better way

When the heart is alive there is life. If the heart is drowsy there is no life in the person 

*5) Alertness of the Heart and spirituality*

According to Jesus there is a close connect between heart and spirituality. 

Only when the heart is active a alive a person is able to deepen his faith and grow in spiritual life 

He is able to experience the God and divine being 

Heart is a place of experience. So it should be alert and not drowsy. So to experience God, and His love, mercy, forgive, salvation heart must be alert. 

*6) Only the Worldly things make the heart Drowsy*

No spiritual or good deed will make the heart drowsy, but they will make alert. 

All the worldly things and the bad things will make the heart drowsy and that is the beginning of the end. 

*Is my heart is drowsy?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

First of all we see a great Change in the Fig tree

Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Friday

GOSPEL Lk 21: 29-33

First Reading - Rev 20:1-4, 11-15, 21:2

*The Great Lesson from Fig Tree*

*1) Changes in Fig Tree*

First of all we see a great Change in the Fig tree. 

According to the Situation the Fig tree changes itself and adapts itself to the environment

Such a great Change we see not only in Fig tree but all other trees in the Nature.

*2) The Change comes from within*

We can clearly see that the change that takes place in the fig free, comes from within and not from any other external force. 

Since the change comes "within" it changes the entire tree and the change has a lasting effect on the tree. 

*3) The meaning of New buds*

The new buds is the symbol of new life, new vigour, new beginning, new force, new look

With the new buds and leaves the tree becomes more beautiful and attractive. 

The tree with new buds and leaves always makes us happy, it changes the entire situation and gives a new life to everything

*4) Old leaves need to fall*

The old and new can't exist together, such an logic is very clear from the nature and from the fig tree. 

The tree simply sheds its old leaves and gives way to new buds and leaves. 

The old leaf has to leave the place for the new leaf. So old has to be discarded inorder to give way to new life

*5) The tree has the inborn capacity to forgo the old and to accept the new things*

All the changes are the result of inborn qualities of the tree. So the tree has the capacity to change itself by all means

Inborn talents are more powerful than anything else in this world. 

*6) Life is equal to Fig tree* 

The fig tree faces all kinds of seasons and changes accordingly. But am I ready face these challenges. 

Fig tree gives up its old leaves in order to give space the new leaves. Am I ready leave old self and to adapt new life. 

Fig tree drops  all leaves, not even one old leaf can be found. Like wise we need to give up our entire old life 

So giving up old, evil and  selfish motives is a necessary Pre condition for the new things. 

*7) The fig tree allowed the process of getting the new leaves* 

As Christians we need to initiate the process of gettin new leaves

The new leaf of humility

The new leaf of charity, concern, service, love, happiness,  challenges, and so on...

Fig tree gives a great message. So Will this massage help me to change my life.. ?

Think about it 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Christians are called upon to stand erect and to raise their heads

Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Thursday

GOSPEL Lk 21: 20-28

First Reading - Rev 18:1-2, 21-23, 19: 1-3

*Christians are called upon to stand erect and to raise their heads*

*1) Standing Erect is a symbol of Courage*

Only those who have courage stand erect and do something. 

A person who is morally  integrated can stand erect in their life. 

Standing erect shows the extraordinary qualities of the person 

*2) Raising head is needed to know the Things* 

Raised head will have better view. In practice Christian faith needs a better view of everything that happens in our life, which may help us to grow in our spirituality. 

Raised head gives a special dignity to a person and to his/her character

*3) Why we need to stand erect and  raise our heads?*

There are series of things which are mentioned in the Gospel. They are as follows 

Destruction of Jerusalem temple, which symbolises the Holy things in life. 

To know the terrible calamity which come on this earth, which may affect us in many ways, and may have adverse effects on our faith life

To know the Wrathful judgement which will come upon them 

To know the terrible consequences of the slavery 

To know the signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth

By knowing we can be alert and prepare ourselves for any calamities in life 

By standing erect and by raising our heads will help us to know the above things and to face any challenges in life. 

*4) A Christian can not make any compromise in standing erect and raising ones head* 

One who makes any compromise can't stand erect and raise their heads 

A follower of Jesus destined to stand erect and raise his/her to proclaim the Kingdom of God 

*5) Am I ready to stand erect and raise my head?*

As a follower of Christ

In doing my responsibilities

In forgiving 

In doing service 

In sharing 

In humility

In helping others 

In doing what is good and right 

In using my skills, talents and God given knowledge and wisdom. 

Am I ready to stand erect and raise my head in above things

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Name Jesus is very powerful and beautiful, but also very Challenging

Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Wednesday

GOSPEL Lk 21: 12-19

First Reading - Rev 15:1-4

*The Name Jesus is very powerful and beautiful, but also very Challenging*

*1) The meaning of Jesus*

The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua which means "to deliver; to rescue."

In other words the name Jesus means "Savior." 

It is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament. And it is given to our Lord because "He saves His people from their sins," (Matthew 1:21).

*2) The Written name of Jesus was found only on the Cross*

For the first time we see the written name of Jesus on the Cross, after His crucifixion. 

Until then we don't have any proof that the name of Jesus was written in any documents

*Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews* were the words which were found in the Cross, and for the first time we see the name of Jesus in the written form on the Cross.

*3) Name of Jesus on the Cross, gives us another side of Christian Faith and Life*

The Cross and Name of Jesus show us the another side of Christian life. 

The Cross is the symbol of suffering, and death. 

Today gospel recounts the name of Jesus and its consequences.

*4) Because of my name*

Twice this expression comes in today's Gospel. 

*What happens because of Jesus' name?*

Because of Jesus' name the followers 

will be seized

The followers will be persecuted

The followers will be handed over to the synagogues 

The followers will be put in prisons,

The followers will be dragged before kings and governors

The followers will be handed over by parents,

   brothers, relatives, and friends to be put to death 

The followers will be hated by all

All the above things will take place for only one reason that is *Because of the name Jesus*

*5) What is the Reward for remaining faithful to the name Jesus?*

It will help one to give testimony

It will help a person to gain wisdom and to defend ones faith

It will help to put the adversaries into shame 

It will be the instrument of self defense and nothing to prepare for self-defense

It will protect the follower from all harm *not a hair on your head will be destroyed*

*6) Two sides of Jesus name*

Jesus means Saviour - one who saves is Jesus 

Saving act is always challenging and difficult. 

Saving can be done only after fighting a battle and defeating the enemy. 

So we need to remember the two sides of Jesus' name and mission. 

The same is applicable to the followers too. 

Cross is the sign of challenges, suffering death and then victory through resurrection.

Same is applicable to life. 

*7) Am I ready to follow the name Jesus*

There is no Christian without the name Jesus. The name Jesus and the person Jesus is the integral mark of a Christian

There is nothing beyond Jesus and the name of Jesus 

Am I ready to face the challenges because of the name Jesus in my life?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The meaning of the destruction of the Temple

Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Tuesday

GOSPEL Lk 21: 5-11

First Reading - Rev 14:14-19

*The meaning of the destruction of the Temple*

*1) Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple*

The temple was built and was adorned with costly stones. 

It was looking beautiful and attractive. All were surprised to see the beautiful structure and the glory of the temple 

But Jesus says *days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.*

Accordingly the temple was destroyed in the Year 70 AD by the Romans

*2) We are and our Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit*

The same above logic is also applied to our earthly life. 

This life is adorned with beautiful things, like beauty, external glory, power, achievements, pleasure, name and fame. 

But we need to remember that days will come when all these things will be destroyed and nothing will be left. 

In fact life is built with different stones like a building. When we apply the fate of Jerusalem temple to our own life we can see that the following stones will thrown down as we grow.

*3) The various stones of our life* 

*A) The stone of Childhood*

Only for a short period of time we have this stone of childhood. 

After few years we lose the stone of childhood forever. 

*B) The Stone of Youthfulness*

This stone gives us a lots of opportunity as well as challenges. 

Some find it very difficult to manage this Stone

Some lose their entire life along with this stone. 

One needs to be very careful in handling this stone

*C) The Stone of achievements*

When people achieve the middle age they think about this stone and they try to make this stone as stronger as possible. 

*D) The stone of old age*

This stone becomes very burdensome and no one wishes to have this Stone. But life can not go through with out this Stone, unless one dies at the early stage.

*E) The stone of beauty*

One of the most important stone, which everybody wants to possess and wishes to keep it forever 

People are ready to do anything for the sake of this stone. 

*F) The stone of strength/muscle power*

People love to have this stone with them all the time. But it is not possible. 

*G) The stone of Wealth*

Wealth is not permanent. It comes and goes or at times remains with us for a longer duration 

No one wants to give up this stone. 

*H) The stone of family, relatives, friends and other well wishers*

*I) The stone of our knowledge, talents, skills, status, intelligence*

As we grow one by one the stones will be thrown down and one day the whole temple will be empty without any stones. 

With the death of a. Person all the stones of the life will be thrown down and nothing remain in the material form 

*4) Only temple was destroyed and not The holiness and source of holiness - God*

Romans were able to destroy the temple which was standing with various stones. 

But they could not destroy the presence of God and Gods mighty interventions. 

Like wise our bodily life may be destroyed. But the spiritual aspect, the holiness aspect can never be destroyed. 

*5) What about my life?*

What type of temple have I built in my life? 

What is the value of this temple  to me? 

Is this temple has beauty only from outside? Deceptive beauty or genuine beauty. 

Think about this 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The True Spirituality of the Poor Widow and the challenge of practicing this Spirituality

Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Monday

GOSPEL Lk 21: 1-4

First Reading - Rev 14:1-5

*The True Spirituality of the Poor Widow and the challenge of practicing this Spirituality*

*1) The Poor widow was the Heroine for Jesus*

There were many people in the scene. Some were rich, some were wealthy, some were powerful, some were influential, and some were proud

Among all these people who came to drop money in the temple treasury, Jesus notices this poor widow for her great gesture

Jesus not only notices this poor widow but hails her among the crowd as the great person who had the right spirituality and deep faith in God. 

At the end of the scene she becomes a great person among all others in the crowd. 

Why she became great in the sight of Jesus? 

*2) The genuine Spirituality of the Poor widow*

Her spirituality consists in some important things. They are the following 

*A) Poverty*

There is a direct connection between the poverty and her spirituality. 

The Gospel says she was a poor widow and she didn't have many things. 

It is said she offered the two little coins from her poverty and not from her surplus

*B) Livelihood*

She is offering the Whole livelihood. 

Livelihood could be understood as *a means of securing the necessities of life*

So it the necessities of preserving life. Without that she can't survive. 

Once again she is not offering the part of her livelihood, but the Whole livelihood, she is offering. This is something tremendous and marvelous. 

It means she has nothing left to sustain her life for tomorrow. That is the height of her great gesture

*C) The Act of Offering*

The act of offering, that is without anybody's force, is itself a great deed. 

But when we look this widow, having nothing extra in her hands, had a great heart of offering whatever she had. That is something great.

The act of free offering does not come very easily and especially when some is really poor, the concept of offering happens very rarely. So this also shows the greatness of her spirituality. 

*D) No publicity, no intention of capturing the attention of anyone*

There is not even slightest intention in the widow to make this act, for the sake of  drawing attention from the crowd.

In fact she is least bothered about the crowd. She does this offering as the act of her love and duty towards God

Since nobody noticed it, except Jesus, it is clear that her offering does not take the place of publicity and drawing attention.  

*3) Genuine Spirituality includes these above things* 

*Poverty* : Blessed are the poor in spirit theirs is the kingdom of God 

*Share from the Livelihood* and not from the surplus 

*The genuine act of offering without any attached intention*

No publicity for the things done for the sake of God and neighbour

*4) Am I somewhere near to this spirituality of widow* 

I feel none of us will be able to say that my spirituality exactly corresponds to the spirituality of the widow 

The aspect of poverty, livelihood, the genuine act of offering without any publicity need a very deep rooted spirituality. 

*5) It is a great challenge to all of us*

To follow the spirituality of the window is not at all easy. It is very challenging one 

Since it is very challenging one, and it demands a deep rooted  spirituality many of us do not take the trouble of reflecting the same 

Even though it is very challenging one, it is not impossible. So the widow invites us to follow this spirituality. 

*6) Widow is an inspiration to all of us*

Simple widow, hardly noticed by any one, became a great person to be noticed by many for centuries together

Reflecting the act and spirituality of this widow will help us to begin somewhere and to grow in genuine spirituality. 

*7) Name of the widow not found*

The Gospel does not give the name of the widow. 

The widow remains as a unknown to us. This simply means any one take the place of this widow. 

I can take her place, you can take her place, one can inspire another to take her place

*If So Am I ready to take the place of the Poor Window??*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The Kingship of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

34th Week : Sunday

GOSPEL Matthew 25:31-46

First Reading - Ez 34: 11-12, 15-17

Second Reading - 1 Cor 15: 20-26

*Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe*

*1) Jesus is the King of the Universe*

This feast specifically recognises Jesus as the King the entire universe

This feast helps us to accept the Lordship of Jesus, and to know His mighty power over everything that exist in the world. 

*2) Where is Jesus' Kingdom*

Jesus says, *My Kingdom is not of this world* John 18:36

If so where is the Kingdom of Jesus?

Without having the kingdom in this world, what type of His kingship and where does His kingship comes into effect? 

Is it possible to become a king with out the material Kingdom? 

So finally where is the Jesus' Kingdom? What type of King He is? 

*3) The Shepherd model of Kingship*

The first reading of the day from Ezekiel speaks about the Shepherd model of Kingship

As a shepherd, God has many things to do

He goes in search of the lost sheep 

He keeps awake all the time to protect the sheep 

He is watchful about His sheep and does not allow the sheep to scatter

He is with the sheep all the time to give them the food and drink 

He is at the service of the sheep all the time. 

Unlike the kings of this world who demand everything from their subjects for His wellbeing and selfish interests, the shepherd model of kingship is totally for the wellbeing of the sheep and not for the selfish interests of the shepherd 

*4) Where is the Kingdom of Jesus*

The Gospel of the day gives answer to this question

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, 

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in,

I needed clothes and you clothed me,

I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me.

The kingdom of Jesus consists in doing these things and not found in power, pomp, glory and materia possession.

*5) Who will enter His Kingdom*

*Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world*

Those in the Right side are those who followed the standards of Jesus Kingdom 

The standards are mentioned above. 

Only following the above standard one can desire to get an entry into His kingdom. Other wise no entry will be possible

*Do I desire to enter into Jesus' kingdom by following the above standard?*

Choice is yours 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Who is my mother?

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Saturday

GOSPEL Mt  12:46-50

First Reading - Zac 2:14-17

*Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Who is my mother?*

*1) This is a beautiful question*

In todays Gospel we have this beautiful questions. 

This question comes from Jesus, directed to all those who were listening to Jesus

Reflecting this question and finding out answer to this question will reveal so many important things about the Mother of Jesus and its implications to our lives

*2) The Mother is the one whom God recognized as great person*

In the greetings of the Angel Gabriel it is clear that Mary is the one who was favoured by God 

Angels words reveal this fact. *Hail Mary, Full of Grace, blessed are thou among women, Gods favoured one, these words definitely tell us that Mary was  recognized by God as a special person

*3 The Mother is the one Who said Yes to the Lord*

The mother is the one who said yes to Gods plan and who always cooperated with Gods salvific work 

*4) Mother is the one who first received Jesus in her heart and then into her womb*

Mary received Jesus first in her heart and then in her womb. 

The moment she said yes to the Lord, she received Jesus in her Heart and then into her Womb

*5) Mother is the One who pondered all the things in her heart*

Mary didn't understand many of the things that were taking place in her life and also in the family. 

So she didn't grumble God for this. But she kept all these things in her heart and reflected about the same. 

Keeping the things which she didn't understand and trying to ponder them is a great quality of the mother of Jesus

*6) Mother is the one Who faced all the challenges and humiliation for the sake of God*

When we see the life of our Mother it is very clear that she had to face many challenges because, she said yes to the Lord

She had to under go many humiliations for the sake of God. But she faced everything with hope and courage 

*7) Mother is the one Who accompanied Jesus to the Calvary*

Great mother who supported in all the ways to accomplish Jesus' mission

She practically saw the passion and suffering yet she supported Jesus to carry out His mission 

*8) Mother is the One who was able to stand at the foot of the Cross*

Mary was found at the foot of the Cross at the most difficult time of her life. 

She saw there her son dying on the Cross

She had the courage to take the body of Jesus into her arms 

Really a great mother

*9) Mother is the one who brought all the Apostles together*

Mary becomes a great instrument to bring all the Apostles after the death of Jesus 

She becomes a motivator to change the lives of the Apostles and to start a new mission 

She gives a new direction to the mission and lives of the Apostles

*10) Great message of Jesus about the Mother*

When Jesus says here are my mothers, actually Jesus is inviting us to reflect about the life of our Blessed mother and to follow her footsteps

All those people who are able to follow the about steps of the *Mother* definitely qualify to take the place of the Mother 

Am I ready for this great mission. 

*May our Blessed mother intercede for all of us*

*Happy feast of the presentation of our Blessed Mother*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Temple is a Holy Place of Teaching and Learning, and not meant for Business

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Friday

GOSPEL Lk 19:45-48

First Reading - Rv 10:8-11

*Temple is a Holy Place of Teaching and Learning, and not meant for Business*

*And every day he was teaching in the temple area.*

*1) Jesus was teaching everyday in the temple area* 

One of the important tasks of Jesus' ministry was teaching. He taught everyday and to all sorts of people. 

It is very important to note that Jesus uses the temple area to teach to the people. 

*2) Why Jesus used the Temple area?*

There are many reasons why Jesus used this area. Some of them may be following: 

It was a place where many people used to gather every time. 

Temple is one of the important places where people gathered everyday for the spiritual activities. So it was easy for Jesus to meet people 

People came to the temple also to learn many things from their religious leaders. So people were already prepared for listening. 

Since temple was a Holy Place it was easy for Jesus to teach in the temple about the Holy things. 

*3) Jesus shows that temple is meant for teaching and learning*

What did Jesus teach in the temple?

He taught how to pray 

He taught how to meditate on the word of God 

He taught how to forgive 

He taught how to serve others 

He taught how to love God and the neighbour 

He taught how to live a virtuous life 

He taught how to live a simple and holy life 

He taught how to face the challenges of life 

He taught how to console people 

He taught how to get reconciled with God and others 

He taught how to remain humble to the practice the virtue of humility

He taught how to carry the cross

He taught how to follow Him 

He taught all the Kingdom values

*4) Temple also a place of learning* 

The very fact that Jesus taught many things in the Temple, it is clear that the purpose of teaching is that we many learn good things and lead a good and holy life

So temple is a holy place meant for leaning many good and holy things in order to live a good life. 

Our aim of life is to lead a good life. But unless we know what is good and what is bad we can not practice good things. So temple is a place where we learn what is good and we become aware what are bad and evil things, which helps us to avoid the bad things 

Unless we learn, no changes will take place in life. Learning is necessary to dispel the darkness of ignorance. So let's use the holy Temple to learn good and holy things 

*5) Scribes Pharisees used the temple area for learning business and doing business*

This is one of the reasons why Jesus chased away those people who were doing business.

They had forgotten the real purpose of the temple and they used it for their selfish purpose, that is to do business

Never to use the temple for business and making money, because it is a house of God and house of prayer.

*6) We are taught from the childhood in our temples*

All of us begin our faith journey from the temple. 

Practically everyday we have been taught in our temples various things through various spiritual activities

The amount of input we get to learn many things marvelous

But what is the outcome? We need to reflect about the same

*7) Do I go to the temple to learn holy things or for business?* 

Two things are possible

Either I may go to the temple to learn many good things, holy things and to live a holy life 

Or I may use the temple area to my hidden selfish motives, which may include business interest, to exhibit my self, to show off my power and influence, to achieve my vested interest. 

Finally it depends in me.

So what do I do in the temple area? 

Better to think about it. 

Right learning from the temple area will make our life holy and blessed.

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Is Jesus weeping for My Jerusalem

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Thursday

GOSPEL Lk 19:41-44

First Reading -  Rv 5:1-10

*Is Jesus weeping for My Jerusalem*

*1) Jesus wept for Jerusalem*

Jerusalem was important city during the time of Jesus, because it was a holy place and centre of all religious activities

It was considered as one of the most important place for Jews because of the Temple. 

It was a place of the presence of God. 

To such a place when Jesus came He wept seeing the misery of this great place.

The reason is very simple. 

Jerusalem along with its religions leaders never recognized the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

They didn't recognize Jesus as Messiah.

These great revelations were hidden from them, as a result the place of the presence of God became a place without God and His holiness

So finally such a place will be destroyed and it will be desecrated. Foreseeing this misery Jesus wept for Jerusalem

*2) What is the significance of Jerusalem in my life?* 

Jerusalem represents variety of things in my  life.

First of all my life and Spiritual life is the Jerusalem of my life 

My family takes the place of Jerusalem

My neighborhood takes the place of Jerusalem

My surrounding where I am living takes the place of Jerusalem

My working place takes the place of Jerusalem.

*3) Is my Jesus weeping for these Jerusalems of my life?*

Since my life takes the place of Jerusalem, when I don't recognize the prince of peace, it makes Jesus to weep

My family is another Jerusalem. When there is no Peace in the family and we the family members do not work for peace, one makes Jesus to weep for the same. 

Like wise, my neighborhood, working place, surroundings where I live also equal to my Jerusalems, where I need to work for peace. 

*4) Why Jesus wept?*

First of all it didn't recognize Jesus 

Secondly Holy place had turned for unholy things like business, and marketing

By its unholy things, the Gods presence in that place was a question mark 

Sooner or later this Jerusalem will be destroyed for its blunders and it took place in the year 70. 

*5) My responsibility towards my Jerusalem*

We need to keep it holy 

We need to recognize that it is the dwelling  place of God 

We must be able to find God and His presence there

Only then the Jerusalem gets its real meaning and Jesus will be happy to see this 

*Will Jesus feel happy or will   cry when he sees my Jerusalem?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Moving towards Jesus is always Encountered with tough Challenges

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Wednesday

GOSPEL Mt 14:22-33

First Reading - Acts 28: 11-16, 30-31

Dedication of the Basilicas of St Peter and St Paul

*Moving towards Jesus is always Encountered with tough Challenges*

*1) First of all Peter had to Walk on the Water*

Since Peter wanted to go towards Jesus, he had to cross the waters. 

So he chooses to walk on the water with the help of Jesus. Even then to make a decision to walk on the water, which was so far unheard, seems to be tough challenge for Peter. 

Peter receives this challenge with open heart to walk on the water to go towards Jesus. 

*2) Secondly Peter Had to face the mighty waves while walking on the Water* 

Peters journey towards Jesus was challenged by the mighty waves. 

These mighty waves interrupted his journey and he was not able to move further. 

This was one of the big challenges which was encountered by Peter while moving towards Jesus. 

*3) Peter Shift his focus from Jesus to the Challenge*

Peter begins with right attitude. His focus was Jesus so he could walk on the water without any issues. 

But as soon as he is encountered with the mighty waves he shifts his focus from Jesus to the waves. 

Now he sees only waves and its power. That makes Peter to helpless and losing the control of the situation. 

Shifting of ones gaze, from Jesus to the problems will worsen the situation. Instead have focus on Jesus, things will move naturally.

*4) Amidst the challenges he cries out to Jesus*

Peter, when he realised that he can't move further, he cried out to the Lord. "Lord save me" 

This is one of the typical expression of many when one is faced with tough challenges 

The cry is very important because, it changed the Whole situation and new direction was given to Peter's journey

*4) Paul also encountered many challenges in His journey towards Jesus*

His journey starts with a great challenge. 

He was thrown out from the horse, became blind, gradually misunderstood by his own people. 

Later he had to face all kinds of trials and problems and finally he was martyred for the sake of Jesus. 

So His journey was full of challenges. But he was committed to face any challenges to move towards Jesus. 

*5) My journey toward Jesus to faced with many challenges*

Like Peter we have to decide many times to walk on the water to come to Jesus. Walking on the water is very tough challenges of life. 

Like Peter we too will be faced with mighty waves which will create fear and anxiety, in our journey. 

Like Peter many times we will shift our attention from Jesus to the problems. 

Like Peter many times many of us will cry, Lord save me, i am perishing 

Like Paul many of us are made to fall down, face persecution and trails in our journey towards Jesus. 

*6) Am I ready to face these challenges*

With out facing challenges even Peter could not reach near to Jesus. 

These challenges are part and parcel of our life, which we have to face in order to reach Jesus. 

So what is my attitude with regard to facing of challenges? 

*Face or escape?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

The meaning of the Shortness of Zacchaeus

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Tuesday

GOSPEL Lk 19:1-10

First Reading - Rv 3:1-6, 14-22

*The meaning of the Shortness of  Zacchaeus*

*He was short in stature*

*1) The Physical description of Zacchaeus*

The Gospel is very clear that He was short in stature

He was a tax collector, wealthy man

He had deep desire to meet Jesus. Since he was short in stature, he could not meet Jesus,  so  he ran and climbed a sycamore tree. 

*2) Physical Shortness also has deeper meaning* 

Shortness, means not properly grown. It shows that some areas are not properly developed that is why persons growth had some problems

So the physical shortness of Zacchaeus shows what type of person he was. Many of his personality traits show that he was not only short in stature, but also in his attitude and way of life. We can analyse in the following way.

*A)  He was Short in Sincerity*

Zacchaeus sincerity was very short. It means he was not sincere. 

As a tax collector he had collected lot of money from people, more than what was people supposed to pay

So people hated these tax collector because of their cheating and swindling their money 

*B) He was Short in Relationship*

Zacchaeus' human relationships were very short, in the sense that he was dealing with human beings only at business level

In his relationship there was no care, concern, love and personal involvement. 

*C) As a genuine human being - He was short*

Over the years, Zacchaeus had lost his real human nature. 

Because of his way of life, he was almost like an animal

This also proves why he claimed the tree to see Jesus. 

Only animals are found on the tree, not human beings. 

Even when he wanted to meet Jesus, finally, he had to come down and meet Jesus face to face and not on the tree. 

*D) He was Short in Generosity*

His generosity was short, in the sense that, he would not make any concession with regard to the tax. 

The virtue of generosity was not seen in Zacchaeus. 

*3) Jesus makes him to realise his shortness*

The encounter with Jesus, makes Zacchaeus to realise how short he was in all the aspects of his life. 

The act of coming down from the tree, was a symbolic act, where Zacchaeus also comes down from the *tree of Shortness* and becomes a tall man in his conversion

*4) His conversion shows how tall he became with the encounter of Jesus*

The conversion of Zacchaeus was not a simple conversion, but it is a conversion, which made the salvation to come at once to his life and to entire house hold 

His conversion involved really practical issues, 

He boldly proclaimed: half of his possession to the poor 

4 times more repayment to all from whom he has extorted the money 

With this Zacchaeus became a tall man, which made the salvation to get in immediately. 

*5) Shortness in my Life*

Shortness in no way helps us to grow. In fact in hampers our growth. 

What are the shortness of my life? 

Am l short in generosity, humility, sharing, smiling, loving, caring, hard work, sincerity, etc 

What can I do to change these shortness of my life? 

What are some of the practical solutions?

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Why Jesus Ordered that the blind man should be brought to him?

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Monday

GOSPEL Lk 18:35-43

First Reading -Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5

*Why Jesus Ordered that the blind man should be brought to him?*

*1) Jesus Always goes near to the sick*

We have many examples where Jesus practically goes near to the sick people. Some examples would be 

Jesus went near to the mother in law of Peter inorder to cure her from fever 

Jesus went to Jairus' house to heal his daughter 

Jesus went to Zacchaues' house, which brought about a great change in him 

Jesus first went near to Matthew and then he went to his house 

Jesus went to the tomb of Lazaus and raised him from the dead. 

*2) Jesus didn't go near to the blind man - He was brought near to Jesus*

In Today's Gospel we see that, Jesus does not go near to the blind man 

As He hears the shouting of the blind man, Jesus stops on the middle of the road and asks people to bring the blind man to Him 

Why Jesus does this perticular act? 

Is there any deeper meaning in it? 

Why Jesus didn't go near to the blind man? 

Answer to these questions will reveal that there is a deeper meaning in what Jesus did. 

*3) Jesus makes the man to come into the middle of the crowd*

The very fact Jesus asks the people to bring him near to Jesus, the blind man becomes the important person in the crowd. 

So far he was outside the crowd. He had no place in the crowd. He was pushed to the periphery or to the corner.

Now this gesture of Jesus makes the man to come into the main fold. 

He takes a important place in the crowd. 

All people are able to recognize this blind man 

So first of all he was given a prominent place in the crowd by this simple gesture

*4) Our mission is to bring people to Jesus*

Those who were able to see, they brought the blind man to Jesus. 

By asking people to bring him near to Jesus, Jesus is teaching a good lesson to the people that, the primary mission involves in bringing people to Jesus 

Specially those who are  good spiritual life, must help those who are not good in spiritual life to bring them to Jesus 

Those who are rich must help the poor to come up in life. 

So bringing people to Jesus is the main mission of a Christian. 

*5) Identify those who are in the periphery and bring them to the middle*

Blind man was at the periphery or in the corner. He was identified by Jesus and brought back to the main fold. 

Identify those who are at the periphery and given them some importance and opportunities, they will come up in life. 

Never to push them to periphery, because they are poor, disabled, sick, illiterate, not looking good. 

*6) Willingness of the blind man to move towards Jesus*

Whatever may be our situation, we need to do little hardwork, if we want to come up in life. 

It was not a automatic healing for the blind man. He had to get up and come to Jesus for a healing. He did it and he was able to see. 

*7) The blind man was helped by many*

In the process of coming to Jesus, the blind man was helped by many. 

It was not that he was able to come to Jesus by his own efforts, but many people helped him to come to Jesus. 

It is clear that, when some one wishes to come to Jesus, there are many people who will help us in the process. 

So we are not alone in the process of coming to Jesus. We must be thankful to all people who help us in the process of coming to Jesus

*8) We need to play two roles in our lives*

First of all we must help those who show a genuine interest to come to Jesus. This is our primary mission 

Secondly, we need to show a little willingness to go to Jesus, or need to do little hard work in order to move towards Jesus. 

*Am I ready to play these two roles?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*

Planted/Used Vs Buried

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Sunday

GOSPEL Mt 25:14-20

First Reading - Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31

Second Reading 1Thes 5:1-6

*Planted/Used Vs Buried* 

*1) Planting is beginning, burial is End*

Whatever is Buried can't grow; whatever is planted will grow

Burial is the dead end. Nothing beyond we think other than eternity. Whereas planting is the beginning. It has lots of scope to grow and to develop.

*2) Two Planted, One buried*

The First two servants planted whatever they received from the master. It grow and they were able to reap the fruit.

The Third servant buried whatever he had. Whatever is buried can't grow. That's why he gained nothing. 

By burial one loses everything. Even the third servant lost everything.

*3) Planting gives Hope, burial is scary*

 

Burial always bring about unnecessary fear, which makes the one inactive. 

The third servant had more of fear than  courage. In his fear he saw only burial as a solution.

Planting always brings about courage which is always accompanied by risk for better results.

Planting really brought about joy and happiness in their lives. They became great because they took risk and challenges. Where as the burial, caused the servants sadness,  of everything and even the necessary things.

Burial is end of life. It is equal to destruction. Planting is beginning of life.

*4)  Planting makes one to continue, burial makes one to stop*

 Burial doesn't allow the person to work any more. It is the end for everything. So the servant could not use his talents or the money which was given by the Master.

Planting doesn't allow the person to remain inactive any more. It makes the person to think, plan out and work hard. So it becomes the process of new beginning

*5) Burial of Money is a foolish act*

In normal circumstances no one buries money. Money is always used for something productive purposes. 

There are also people who bury the money with the intention of hiding it. 

Those who are greedy they also bury the money with intention to use for their selfish purposes later 

In all these above cases the buried money becomes useless and it remains as unproductive thing. 

*6) Life can be buried or can be planted/Used*

The same logic can be applied to our life. Either it can be used/lived or can be buried.

Life is like a God given talent to be used or lived. Like that two servants and one servants it can be used in different ways. 

Don't bury your life when you are alive and active. The greatest tragedy of life is that one buries himself when he is still alive. Its a horrible situation of life.

*7) Is my life a burial ground?*

There are plenty of God given things in my life. What do I do with those valuable things? 

Have I buried my freedom to speak truth? 

Have I buried my reason to know what is good and what is bad? 

Have I buried my will power? 

Have I buried my compassionate sight? 

Have I buried forgiveness in my life? 

Have I buried love, concern, humility, and gentleness in my life? 

Have I buried my words of appreciation for others? 

Have I buried my discipline in life? 

Have I buried silence in my life? 

Have i buried my service attitude and the aspect of sacrifice? 

Think about it? 

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*